NGO continues fight against nuclear power plant

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.