REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- TRIGA 2000 Reactor in Bandung would soon be re-operated. The existence of the reactor that have been operating since 1965, was actually still needed by the public.

Head of Applied Nuclear Science and Technology Center (PSTNT) of National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), Efrizon Umar, said TRIGA 2000 Reactor had been completely renovated and strengthened. The control rod of the reactor had also been successfully replaced.

"The new control rod was made at Nuclear Fuel Technology Center in Serpong and its modification had been approved  by BAPETEN," said Efrizon through a statement received by Republika, Thursday (26/11).

TRIGA 2000 Reactor would produce radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical for hospitals and other private parties in Java. Neutron activation analysis that was developed by PSTNT, would be also used to examine the air quality throughout Indonesia.

"There is lacking of radioisotopes in Indonesia, for example, in Hasan Sadikin Hospital," Efrizon added.

In a study prompted by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the presence of TRIGA 2000 Reactor was still needed by 25 stakeholders, both public and private parties. Efrizon said TRIGA 2000 Reactor is not only focusing on producing radioisotopes, but also will be cooperated with a number of universities to utilize the reactor facility for lab activities.

Currently, the extension of reactor operating license is being prepared and will be submitted to BAPETEN. If there are no obstacles, Efrizon added, TRIGA 2000 Reactor can continue to operate until 2026.

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