Govt will go ahead with nuclear power project

The government will go ahead with its plan to build a nuclear power plant in Bangka Belitung province in 2016 despite strong protests from non-governmental organizations, Media Indonesia reported on Wednesday.

Research and Technology Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta said in Jakarta on Tuesday that the construction of a nuclear plant would be needed to ensure future power supply because within the next 15 to 20 years, the country?s oil and gas production would be totally depleted.

?If the people are ready and approved by the House, the construction of the nuclear power plant in Bangka would be realized,? he said.

According to recent survey, Bangka island is considered as the most ideal location for the country?s first nuclear power plant. In terms of security, the island is away from the earthquake track and is rich in uranium deposit. The island has already owned sufficient power interconnection with other places especially with South Sumatra. (*)