Nuclear nadir

Nuclear nadir

From Merdeka

The Indonesian government has agreed to and legalized the
ongoing Muria nuclear project in Central Java. This is despite
its awareness of the high risk of explosion and the danger any
contamination would pose to humans. An example is Chernobyl, in
which the victims still face an uncertain future today.

A more recent case is Japan's nuclear project. A newspaper
report said it nearly exploded because of a leak during its
installation. The U.S. is keeping a close eye on nuclear
activities of Pakistan and North Korea through its World Nuclear
Body. It is also closely watching France's nuclear testing around
Murorua Island in the South Pacific, which resulted in
destruction of soil viability in the area.

The Muria nuclear project has been widely analyzed by experts,
including from the aspect of contamination. But the government
chose to remain quiet on the use of nuclear energy in Indonesia.
Imagine, radiation from a leak can reach a distance of 10
kilometers, causing headaches, nausea and stomach problems to
people living in the surrounding area. What about evacuation and
compensation for any losses if a meltdown occurs?

Unsatisfactory compensation for losses incurred in development
projects is disturbing to people as it can push them further
below the poverty line. In Ujungpandang, people uprooted for the
development of the 18-hectare golf course called Boddoka have yet
to receive compensation from the provincial government.

Will technicians monitor the installation to prevent
explosions, as in other countries, when the Muria project is
completed? Nuclear energy's volatility means an explosion or
meltdown can occur at any time.

We hope Indonesia will turn out to be a nuclear friendly
environment.

MUH. SADALIAH

Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi