Robert Go, Jakarta – Indonesia could be building nuclear power plants by the end of this decade, as part of government efforts to provide alternative energy sources to the country's power-hungry households and businesses, said senior officials yesterday.
Minister of Research and Technology Hatta Rajasa told Antara state news agency: "We have the capability to build nuclear power plants, and we should." The minister added that the country could break new ground for its first nuclear-powered electricity generator.
Its construction is targeted to start in 2010, and it is expected to be operational by 2015.
His aides at the ministry, and officials of the National Atomic Agency (Batan) were similarly upbeat about the prospects of Indonesia going nuclear to meet its energy needs.
Dr Bambang Prasetyo, a programme officer at the ministry, told The Straits Times: "Based on projections of energy needs for the future, nuclear power makes sense. Indonesia will not be reliant on this source of energy and we will still work with others like geothermal or hydro power. But nuclear is definitely one way to go."
Based on available estimates, the country would need billions of dollars worth of fresh investments into the power sector, to ensure a continued, stable power supply in the future.
Indonesian scientists, Dr Bambang added, are currently putting together feasibility studies and should have a first blueprint for the nuclear-energy programme by 2006.
According to Batan officials, the government could revive abandoned projects first conceived during the rule of former President Suharto.
Back in the mid 90s, then research and technology minister B.J. Habibie had proposed several nuclear projects, including an 800-megawatt generator located on the slopes of an active volcano in Central Java.
But public outcry and safety concerns scuttled the projects, and the economic crisis that started in 1997-1998 further shelved Indonesia's nuclear plans.
Now, the government seems savvier about potential opposition to building nuclear plants in the country.
Mr Bambang, for instance, explained that various ecological and environmental studies need to be done by 2004 to assure the public of the projects' safety.
Batan has also been lobbying quietly for legislations that would pave the way for such projects.
Mr Bambang said: "Nuclear energy can be handled safely, that's the point we need to broadcast to the general public." What is left, experts said, is convincing the public and Indonesia's neighbours that the country has enough expertise to handle such a dangerous energy source, and can provide safeguards against potential disasters.