Nuclear Roadshow Held at ITB: GTI Supports Transparent Nuclear Power Plant Development
A large portion of the Indonesian population is now able to accept the existence of nuclear power plants (PLTN). However, they still desire accurate information regarding safety aspects to be communicated transparently.
“After conducting socialisation regarding the construction of PLTN in Indonesia a short while ago, we conducted a poll. The result showed that the majority of participants agree with the construction of PLTN in Indonesia,” stated the President Director of GTI, Reza Putra Nugraha, during the ‘Berani Bicara Nuklir’ (Dare to Speak Nuclear) National Roadshow at the ITB Campus, Bandung, on Monday (31/8).
He added that public approval is a good foundation for building nuclear power plants; however, continuous socialisation and public communication must be maintained, especially in the areas designated for construction. Communication and community involvement in these sites are essential to building trust and knowledge. The public must receive sufficient information and have a space to voice questions to better understand nuclear technology.
“The public must receive correct information regarding the benefits and risks of PLANC construction,” he emphasised.
At the same event, Hedwig Lunga Sampe Pajung, Vice President of Technology Development and Asset Management at PLN Indonesia Power, revealed that the development of nuclear power plants needs to be supported by public understanding through consistent, easy-to-understand, and science-based two-way communication.
“A space for dialogue is needed regarding the benefits, risks, technology, safety, and management of nuclear power plants. Through this approach, public literacy and trust can be continuously strengthened,” he added.
He noted that Indonesia is currently undergoing an energy transformation to meet electricity needs, addressing reliability, security of supply, affordability, and environmental sustainability. To this end, low-carbon energy sources capable of providing stable and sustainable electricity are required. In this context, nuclear energy is a strategic option that needs to be studied and prepared seriously.
“The government targets the construction of Nuclear Power Plants (PLTN) with a total capacity of 500 MW, located in West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung,” explained Hedwig. This decision, he asserted, shows that nuclear energy has been placed within the national electricity roadmap and must be prepared immediately.
On the other hand, ITB nuclear expert Prof. Sidik Permana highlighted the excessive size of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Nuclear Power Plant Construction formed by the government. Within the NEPIO (Nuclear Energy Program Implementation Organization), there are 11 ministries and 8 agencies. “They act as core, supporting, and complementary units. However, I personally believe this needs to be streamlined,” he stated.
While opening the National Roadshow, the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at ITB, Aep Patah, stated that the nuclear pillar was established by President Soekarno as far back as 1965, when he inaugurated the Triga Mark II Reactor in Bandung for research and education purposes. “In Indonesia, it should no longer be about daring to speak about nuclear, but daring to realise nuclear power plants,” he asserted.
However, he agreed that public socialisation remains vital. The public must be literate regarding the benefits and risks of utilising nuclear technology. “I see two dimensions regarding the efforts to realise nuclear power plant construction in Indonesia. The first is the social dimension within society, and the second is the political dimension regarding the will of the government or the state,” he concluded.
This roadshow at ITB is the second event organised by GTI, following a similar event at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta. According to Reza Putra Nugraha, the success of nuclear power plant construction depends not only on technological readiness but also on the readiness of the community, human resources, industry, regulation, and open, science-based public communication.
To this end, GTI, in collaboration with the Nuclear Engineering Department, organised the National Roadshow ‘Dare to Speak Nuclear: Facts, Risks, and the Future of PLTN in Indonesia’. The event featured various speakers, including the Director of PT Kakiatna Enjinering, the Head of the TNTF Department at UGM, and the President Commissioner of GTI, Shirley Oroh, alongside experts from the National Energy Council and PLN.