TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry targets the development of nuclear power plant to be operable in Indonesia starting 2025, where its location have been narrowed in Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung. “We are currently studying while simultaneously educating society about nuclear,” Directore General of Electrification Jarman said on Sunday, May 10.

Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung were selected because the two locations are prone to earthquakes and tsunami. A feasibility study towards Bangka have been conducted while Kalimantan is still awaiting a coordination by the relevant agencies. “Once the feasibility study in Kalimantan is over, all we need to do is determine the development mechanism by PT PLN or private companies,” said Jarman.

According to Jarman, the development of nuclear power plant is needed due to the difficulty of constructing a 7,000-megawatt (MW) power plant per year by only relying on fossil energy. Fuels such as gas, coals or diesels have been limited by the Engery and Mineral Resource Ministry.

Currently, coals are limited to only 60 percent of the total 35,000 MW project, whereas nuclear energy will be contributing 5,000 MW for this megaproject.

Head of Parliament’s Energy Commission kardaya Watnika backs the nuclear power plant development in Bangka Belitung because a feasilbility study have been conducted and the local government is ready.

ROBBY IRFANI