Russia Is Considered The Right Partner To Develop PLTN In Indonesia

Nuclear Illustration (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares assessed that Moscow is the right partner for Jakarta in the development of nuclear power plants (PLTN). Especially to support the transition to renewable energy.

Jose explained that Russia's nuclear energy BUMN, Rosatom, has long offered cooperation in the development of PLTN, including floating PLTN deemed suitable for island countries such as Indonesia.

"Actually, Russia can play a big role in Indonesia. If you want to cooperate with Russia, this is the time," said Jose when quoting Antara.

However, he said, the use of nuclear technology in Indonesia still has drawn controversy from the public regarding its security aspects. In fact, he believes the Russian side has learned a lot from major nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl that occurred in the 1980s or accidents at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan in 2011, about how to strengthen the security of their nuclear technology.

"So there is no need to worry anymore if it's like Chernobyl because they already have layers of nuclear security. I have also brought Indonesian officials to Rosatom headquarters and they explained about it," said Jose.

Furthermore, he said that Indonesia must dare to advance nuclear energy cooperation if it is to realize the energy transition target and zero carbon emissions. Moreover, several close neighbors of Indonesia such as Myanmar and the Philippines have also looked to nuclear utilization to support their energy needs.

Meanwhile, Turkey and Bangladesh have even started the construction of PLTN in collaboration with Russia.

"Now it's just a matter of Indonesia's (decision), it's up to Indonesia to choose (cooperation) from where," said Jose.

Referring to the history of cooperation between Indonesia and Russia through the establishment of PT Krakatau Steel in the 1960s, Jose revealed that Russia is a better partner than the West in terms of technology transfer.

Through a company formerly known as Cilegon Steel Mill, the result of Indonesia's collaboration with Tjazpromexport from the Soviet Union, Krakatau Steel has grown to become the main actor in the steel industry and an energy provider for Indonesia.

"That's what I think the transfer of the first technology from other countries to Indonesia, which we have optimized until now is extraordinary, Krakatau Steel," he said. In addition to superior in terms of technology transfer, Jose said that Russia is more straightforward and candid when negotiating.

He also said that Rosatom had stated that he was ready to educate nuclear experts from Indonesia in using nuclear for peaceful purposes by providing scholarships for 30 people.

"Now the question is interested, don't we use the (test)? It depends on Jakarta, maybe they are still doubtful and want to take a look at other countries first. But in my opinion, Russia is better because everything is straight forward," said Ambassador Jose.