Indonesian expert hails Vietnam’s nuclear power development

Ninh Thuan (VNA) - Vietnam has made great strides in nuclear power development, thanks to support from the State, Indonesia Nuclear Society Chairman Arnold Soetrisnanto told Vietnam News Agency’s reporters on the sidelines of a workshop in central Ninh Thuan province on November 13.

Though Vietnam is several decades behind Indonesia in building nuclear power development policies, the country has seen significant achievements in the field, he said, pointing to State assistance as an advantage that helps Vietnam settle relevant matters swiftly.

He shared that he once had an opportunity to work with experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who said Vietnam had obtained 12 out of the 19 IAEA in nuclear power development standards.

Arnold also revealed Indonesia’s nuclear power development plan, which has been built over the past 60 years, including training workers and selecting construction sites.

Indonesia is now home to three nuclear research reactors, with the first erected in 1964 and the following two in 1979 and 1987, he said, adding that no serious incidents have been recorded.

The country also meets 16 out of the 19 IAEA criteria for nuclear power development standards, he said.

He noted that Indonesia planned to build its first nuclear power facility on Muria Peninsula in Java, but the project did not get support from the locals.

From this fact, Indonesia has realised the significance of public acceptance in implementing nuclear power projects, he said, stressing that when developing nuclear power, a country must ensure efficiency, security and safety.-VNA