Batan seeks decree on Indonesian plant

[Jakarta Post, 6 December] Indonesia's National Atomic Energy Agency (Batan) has called on the government to issue a presidential decree enforcing the 2007 law on long-term development, which stipulates the construction of a nuclear power plant for operation by 2017. Hudi Hastowo, head of Batan, said that the decree would provide certainty concerning construction of the planned plant on the Muria Peninsula in Central Java. He said, "We've been waiting for the construction of the plant to begin for years. I hope the government can issue a decree saying 'yes, the construction can start'." Hudi added, "We believe, based on our safety analysis, that the nuclear plant must and will be safe; that's among the requirements to get permission to start its construction." He continued, "We've done a lot of activities in Muria; we have nearly completed the data needed for the construction of the nuclear power plant there, and we'll have to start all over again if (the government) chooses another location."

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