Nuke technology has various civil applications

JAKARTA (JP): Nuclear technology doesn't necessarily imply bombs, weapons or power plants. It can also mean more modern ways of doing research as well as development, an expert says.

Djali Ahimsa, Director General of the National Atomic Energy Agency, explained at a seminar yesterday that nuclear technology in Indonesia has long been used in almost all aspects of science.

"The agency is dedicated to the motto 'Atom for Humanity', meaning that the technology should support various sectors which help to improve people's welfare," he said.

The one-day seminar on "The opportunity for national industries to enhance competitiveness by applying nuclear technology" was attended by government officials, members of non- governmental organizations and business people.

Djali explained that in agriculture and animal husbandry, nuclear technology has been used in plant cultivation, high- quality seed production, pest control and research in fertilizer and animal disease sciences.

In medical sciences, it has been applied to diagnose an illness or dysfunction of a human organ and also in treatment itself.

Industry has applied nuclear technology for the non- destructive testing of containers, underground pipes or reservoirs and quality testing material and concrete structures. Radiation is also used for sterilization and food preservation.

In hydrology and sedimentology, nuclear technology is used to determine the rate of water flow, seawater leakage into the mainland and siltation of harbor areas. It also helps to solve problems occurring in geothermal power plants and refineries.

Indonesia currently has four small nuclear reactors -- one in Bandung, Yogyakarta, Jakarta and nearby Serpong -- which are used chiefly for research purposes.

Agus Miftach, Chairman of the Indonesian Environmental Development Organization who presented a paper during the seminar, noted that nuclear technology for scientific purposes started as early as 1968 in Indonesia.

"The level of radiation in this sector is very low and therefore has hardly any social impact," he said.

However, he pointed out that in the energy sector, many aspects must be considered.

The government's intention to build a nuclear reactor near Mt. Muria, Central Java, for instance, met fiery objections from the public. Environmentalists to religious leaders began the debate over Indonesia's suitability and ability to manage a nuclear plant.

Although the final go ahead has not been given for Indonesia's first nuclear power plant, it now looks almost certain that Indonesia will go nuclear at the turn of the century.

"The nuclear-phobia in Indonesia is quite rational, especially given the reputation of our technologists and professionals... who failed to convince Indonesians that they are ready to enter the nuclear era," Agus said.

"It's not a matter of not trusting our fellow Indonesians to do the job. What we don't trust is the managerial capability of the officials who -- from past experience -- show that they are capable of creating problems at the public's expense," he added.

Citing the monetary problems caused by the country's conglomerates and the extensive deforestation by timber companies, he asked: "What if something similar happened in the management of a nuclear project?"

These realities, Agus said, made convincing the public difficult.

Djali said a team is currently compiling a final feasibility study report on the plans for a nuclear reactor near Mt. Muria.

"The location and environmental studies are more than 80 percent complete and the results will be announced after the studies are finished," he said, adding that this would be sometime in mid-1996. (pwn)