Nuclear power and principles of science

Nuclear power and principles of science

From Warta Ekonomi

The principles of science note that we should not reject the
existence of nuclear science. Science is the foundation of
civilization. Rejection of science is, therefore, an uncivilized
act. Moving from this point of view, I am of the opinion that
Indonesians should master nuclear science for further growth,
striving for the ultimate level.

From a scientific angle, Indonesia lacks adequate nuclear
technology education centers to impart sophisticated knowledge to
personnel. Human intelligence is an important factor in all
technology systems, not the least nuclear technology. Existing
nuclear education is still of an informal nature, focusing less
on the matter as implemented by the Serpong, Yogyakarta and
Bandung managements of nuclear reactors, and the radio isotope
center at Pasar Jumat, South Jakarta.

In other words we have no scientific basis to prepare people
for the nuclear sector.

Because of this, preparation of the nuclear bill should embark
on infrastructural education first. From that point on, we could
prepare ourselves to master high-tech in a precise and
professional way. We should give priority to the transfer of
intellect first, before any transfer of technology. We would not
be able to construct a mega nuclear power project, or any other
mega nuclear project, before we become mature enough to attain a
basic intellect for the ensuing technology. This is all for the
sake of the country, its security and well-being. This is to
prevent the possibility of nuclear failure and accidents, which
are fatal to all life forms and the ecosystem. There should
practically be no speculative elements left in nuclear matters.

The Directorate General of National Atomic Energy Agency has
long been conducting research on nuclear prospects, especially
its uses in national development. But the agency has, so far,
failed to familiarize intellectual understanding of nuclear power
with all educative fields. The agency only acted after the
nuclear power project became public knowledge. Before that the
public was kept in the dark about the agency's operations, except
for radio isotope activities which proved useful.

In fact, doubts have risen about the agency's actual knowledge
of nuclear technology, aside from theoretical knowledge and prior
practice of nuclear exercising equipment.

The agency's most important nuclear reactor is located in
Serpong, West Java. It has a processing, storing and nuclear
waste disposal unit.

The board of executives of the Bina Lingkungan Hidup
Indonesia, which often attends the agency's meetings on the
various aspects of nuclear energy, claims the agency has no
professional basis for sophisticated nuclear power. The workings
of the agency runs on the wheels of bureaucracy. The agency
should increase its system in all sectors to maximize its form.
Putting order in all bases should be recognized in the
preparations of the nuclear power bill. It should, at least, come
up with principles.

To straighten out professionalism in nuclear technology, an
institute of nuclear technology should be established which could
churn out reliable nuclear experts who number among the very few
in this country.

AGUS MIFTACH

Chairman DPP Indonesian

Environmental Affairs

Jakarta