Indonesia to develop nuclear power plant by 2017

JAKARTA, May 20, 2005 -- Xinhua

Indonesian State Minister for Research and Technology Kusmayanto Kadiman said Friday the government would develop nuclear technology by 2017 for various peaceful purposes, including power generation.

"The energy policy strategy is focused on the plan to develop a nuclear power plant by 2017," Kusmayanto was quoted by the official Antara news agency as saying.

The plan, which did not specify a possible location for the plant, required a more detailed assessment, the minister said after opening a maritime industry exhibition in the East Java capital of Surabaya.

When asked about the dangers of nuclear power, the official said any technology could pose dangers, which was why serious study and preparation were required.

"Even coal-fired power plants have the potential to explode," he said.

"About the location, the possibilities include Madura (East Java) or Muria (Central Java), but if these proposals are turned down it will be no problem to move to earthquake-free Kalimantan," he said.

Kusmayanto said preparations so far were limited to studies involving universities, research and development agencies, the National Development Planning Board and related agencies.

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