NGO continues fight against nuclear power plant

By Zane T. Redman

JAKARTA (JP): Is nuclear power a viable and safe energy alternative for Indonesia? Some people think the answer is an unequivocal no.

The 26th of this month will mark the eight anniversary of the nuclear accident at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union. Citing the dangers of nuclear power, environmental groups and other activists are currently taking part in a campaign to get one million signatures on a petition against the development of PLTN, the proposed nuclear power plant on the Muria peninsula, Jepara regency, Central Java.

Foremost in the struggle against nuclear power is the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi). The non-governmental organization (NGO) has been active in issues relating to the environment for more than a decade. Presently they are focused on forestry, toxic waste, alternative sources of energy and improving the urban environment, particularly in poor communities. One of its most ambitious projects is its information campaign on the hazards of nuclear power in Indonesia.

According to Zukri Saad, Walhi's executive director, "the focus of our campaign is to create a situation conducive to having a referendum on the issue of nuclear power in Indonesia." This necessitates "providing a balance to the information provided by government and industry."

According to the NGO's nuclear campaigner, Mohammad Anung, the main reasons for its opposition to the proposed facility are twofold. "The environmental aspects of nuclear waste radiation and heat transfer to the nearby marine areas are the major concern, as well as the issue of storage facilities," he said.

"The issue of technological dependence and transfer of wealth out of Indonesia must also be addressed."

Alternatives

A further argument against the development of nuclear power in Indonesia is the presence of alternative energy sources. Indonesia has strong geothermal and hydroelectric potential, with opportunities for solar and wind generated energy as well.

"There is a potential to gain 10,000 megawatts of energy from geothermal energy on Java alone, of which only 142 megawatts is presently being utilized. Hydroelectric sites in Sumatra, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya could provide another 75,000 megawatts of energy, of which only two percent is presently being exploited," Anung said.

"Developing these sources of energy could lead to a decentralization of industry in Indonesia and subsequently help to decrease the population pressures on Java," he added.

It is these forms of cleaner, more environmentally friendly generators that Walhi would like to see developed. But first Walhi members feel it is necessary to inform the citizens of Indonesia about the dangers of nuclear power.

"Our main target at present is the undergraduate students in the Jepara regency as well as the populace of Jakarta," Saad said. "The government's ability to influence public opinion is unrivaled, thus our challenge is to provide information to balance that influence."

The economic aspects of the project are also a subject of concern for Walhi. "The social opportunity cost of the project will be very great," Anung said. "The project will cost between one and two billion U.S. dollars, how many elementary schools could be built with that amount of money; 100,000?

"Further, most of the materials and technology are not available in Indonesia, thus the money would be flowing out of the country rather than staying inside."

Pamphlets detailing the proposed project in Muria and reasons against it have been published. Walhi hopes this will promote a greater understanding of the dangers of nuclear power and the availability of alternative, safer sources of energy.

Strict control

A problem with promoting this type of information, however, is strict government controls. "Limiting the dissemination of information for reasons of 'national security' makes it difficult to reach the people," Anung said. Thus, it appears to be a case of David and Goliath, and this time David has no sling or stone.

A problem involved in mobilizing any group of people is the lack of available information. Too little is known by the Indonesian people. "We have asked for a televised forum in which to discuss this issue and hope that the government will agree to take part," Anung said.

Many individuals who were questioned about the issue felt nuclear power should be the "last alternative". It just sounds too dangerous, said one Jakartan when asked how he felt about the development of nuclear power in the country.

Without information about the issue of nuclear power the people of Indonesia may find themselves in an uncomfortable situation. Given the alternatives, Walhi believes nuclear power should not be considered a solution to increased energy demand.

The goal of Walhi's campaign is to attract mass support. If a large number of people are aware of the potential problems, they may take action to ensure that those problems are remedied or avoided. This requires political representatives that are willing and able to answer their constituency.

"The House of Representatives needs more strength to deal with issues of such importance," Anung said. "That is one of the inherent characteristics of democracy, the ability of the people to influence the political process."

Citizens impact on the formulation of policy comes through their elected representatives. Politicians who are in touch with the sentiments of their constituents bring those sentiments to the higher levels of government and therefore influence policy on a national level. This is what Walhi hopes to do through its public awareness campaign.

It has organized a public meeting for the 26th of this month at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) arts center in Central Jakarta to "celebrate" the eight anniversary of the tragic nuclear accident at Chernobyl.

There will be discussions on nuclear power and lectures given by qualified experts in the field.

Walhi hopes to have one million signatures on their petition within the year. If they are able to achieve this remarkable feat it will show a firm commitment on their part and a strong mass political will to resist the power plant.