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