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