REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR -- Nuclear Energy Agency (Batan) stated that Indonesia was ready to build nuclear power plant, compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. Head of Batan, Djarot Sulistio Wisnuboto, said nuclear energy could supply the electricity needs up to 1,000-1,400 megawatts (MW) per unit.

"Indonesia is readiest than other countries in Southeast Asia, for example, compared to Vietnam which has now signed a contract for development of nuclear power plants with Japan and Russia," said Djarot, in Denpasar, on Thursday (15/10).

According to him, 2015 was the right time for Indonesia to start building nuclear power plants, because all facilities were already complete. If this plan was still postponed, then Indonesia would not be ready to realize operational targets of nuclear energy in 2024.

Public acceptance of the use of nuclear energy for electricity, said Djarot, has reached 72 percent. The rest were refused and hesitant. The funds needed for the construction of nuclear power plants reached Rp 50 trillion, but it has larger profits and competitive.

Batan conveyed, a suitable location for the construction of nuclear power plants in Indonesia, among others, Bangka Belitung, Riau Islands, West Kalimantan and East Kalimantan. The three areas were considered as strategic because rare of earthquake.

Head of Nuclear Energy Agency (Bapeten), Jazi Eko Istiyanto, added nuclear-based energy was one of schemes of 17 percent renewable energy in Indonesia. If there was a target in 2025 or 2026, then Indonesia should begin the construction of nuclear power plants this year or next year.

"The target of 95 gigawatts-electric (GWe) of renewable energy will not be achieved if only rely on solar, geothermal, wind, and water," said Jazi.

A number of regions in Indonesia is expected to experience a power shortage in 2016. PLN operations will be reduced below 25 percent of the ideal level of 25-30 percent.

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