Indonesians Protest Nuclear Plant on Volcano-Earthquake Belt

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The Indonesian government is experiencing strong opposition to its plan to build the first of four nuclear power plants at the foot of the dormant Mount Muria volcano in central Java's earthquake belt. The site is about 450 kilometers east of the country's capital, Jakarta. Protestors living near the site are backed by a number of national lawmakers and environmental groups. In addition to these protests, environmentalists have conducted a sustained campaign against the proposed plant, saying that Indonesia has safer and more environmentally sound sources for power generation, including geothermal energy and natural gas. About 60% of the country's 225 million people live in Java.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire with its chain of volcanoes and earthquake-prone fault lines. Officials say the Mount Muria volcano has been dormant for 3,000 years.

State Research and Technology Minister Kusmayanto Kadiman said the plan to build four nuclear plants by 2025 was needed to cope with rising energy demand. "If one nuclear power plant can produce 1,200 megawatts of electricity, we need four plants by 2025 to meet our demand," he said. "We have to start construction this year. Otherwise we will be behind schedule." Several sites for the plants have been surveyed for the plants, including locations in northern Java and Kalimantan. Nuclear power was included in the country's 2004 -25 long-term development plan.

The first plant is scheduled to be in operation by 2016. Kadiman said that it was normal for parties to oppose the plan. He insisted that the government had prepared everything for the nuclear power plant covering planning, technology, financing and human resources. Currently, Indonesia runs three research-based nuclear reactors.

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