Nuclear-powered electricity station
Nuclear-powered electricity station
From Berita Buana
People are still debating the government's plan to build a
nuclear-powered electricity station (PLTN). Newspapers carry
reports arguing the pros and cons of such a plan. In many
seminars this issue creates heated debates.
There is a group that was previously against the plan but
later pledged its support. Another group expressed its objection
to the construction of the electricity plant for unclear reasons.
All this indicates that many people in the community do not fully
understand what PLTN is all about. In this case the National
Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN), which is responsible for the plan,
has not given enough information to society which has resulted in
confusing opinions.
Nevertheless, we should give the right answer to this
question: Is the nuclear powered electricity plant really
necessary in this country? Answers to this question may vary. All
we have to do first is to study how much the plant will benefit
society and how big the risks are. We know that conventional
energy like coal, water, solar energy etc. are not dangerous to
humans but the problem with these commodities is that supplies of
these resources are limited. There will come a time when
resources are exhausted.
Nuclear energy, on the other hand, is very efficient. But the
risk of what could happen is great. Besides, there is some doubt
as to whether Indonesian technology is capable of handling this
business.
Weighing all the benefits and the risks, we cannot form a
decision on what should be done about it. The government, too,
cannot force the realization of its program on this democratic
country. The development will have no meaning if it causes fear
in the society.
In this context, the government is required to hold a dialog
with various parties so that the society may have a good
perception and clear understanding about nuclear technology. Then
the answer to the above can be determined.
OCTAVIZA SN
Indonesian Environmental
Development Organization
Jakarta