Indonesia

INDONESIA

First Nuclear Power Plant Opened: No nuclear power plant is currently operating.
Number and Types of Nuclear Power Plants: Indonesia currently does not have any nuclear power plants; however, in 1997, Indonesia decided to build one, to be completed in 2016. Indonesia does have three research reactors with a fourth under development (listed below).
Percentage of National Energy From Nuclear Power: 0%
Future Nuclear Power Plans: Thus far, Indonesia's nuclear activity has been constrained to the laboratory, consisting of three research reactors with another on the way. However, in an effort to stave off an impending energy shortage projected to occur sometime around 2016-2017, the Indonesian National Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN) has been preparing everything needed prior to the construction of a new nuclear power plant including socialization, land clearing, human resources, and analysis of environmental impact. It is BATAN's intention to commission contractors to begin construction of the nation's first nuclear power plant by 2010, and to have it be operational by 2016. Additionally, BATAN maintains an overall goal to build 12 facilities.

ANALYSIS / ISSUES

While Indonesia is certainly not devoid of resources, the problem is that more than half of Indonesia's population resides in Java, while the majority of Indonesia's resources are located in the Sumatra, which is hundreds of miles away . Subsequently, the government asserts the need for nuclear power so as to supply the majority of its growing population.

Previous attempts at utilizing nuclear power have failed in large part because of the lack of public support . Critics argue that a nuclear power plant located in Indonesia is both unnecessary and dangerous. According to environmentalists, alternative energy sources would be able to meet Indonesia's impending energy demands. In addition, the prospective plant site which is to be located on Java by Mount Muria, a dormant volcano. The island is also home to 28 active volcanoes and prone to earthquakes. Subsequently, environmentalists warn that such a plant risks a disaster that would rival Chernobyl. Nevertheless, the government, citing a feasibility study, assures that the site is safe and will not be susceptible to volcanoes .

 

Indonesia's Nuclear Reactors

NAME TYPE LOCATION OUTPUT STATUS
Java-1 Muria Plant Reactor to be Determined Java 600 MWe_NET Planned
GA SIWABESSY Pool Type Research Reactor Serpong 30 MW MTR Operational
Kartini-PPNY Triga Mark II Research Reactor Yogyakarta 100 kW Operational
BANDUN Triga Mark II Research Reactor Bandung 1,000 kW Operational
RIP Pool Type Research Reactor N/A 10,000 kW Planned