HOUSE OKAYS NUKE PLANTS

Jakarta, March 15 (ANTARA) - The House of Representatives (DPR) has given the green light to the government's intention to go ahead with its plan to build nuclear power plants (PLTNs).

Looking ahead, Indonesia could no longer rely on unrenewable energy sources such as gas and coal to generate electricity, chairman of the House Commission overseeing energy, technology and the environment Teuku Riefky Harsya said in a press statement on Monday.

"About safety, I believe that nuclear power plants will not leak if managed properly," he said commenting on the results of the House Commission's visit to the National Atomic Energy Agency (Batan) in Serpong, south of here, at the weekend.

Now that Batan had recommended the construction of nuclear power plants in the country, the House was ready to give political and budget support, he said.

Deputy for nuclear energy technology development to Batam chief Adi Wardojo said Indonesia could now make preparations for the construction of nuclear power plants.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also had given the same recommendations about the matter, he said.

Indonesia had uranium reserves in Kalimantan capable of producing 1,000 megawatts of electricity for 150 years, he said.

"But the construction of nuclear power plants largely depends on the government policy. What Batan can only do is promoting, familiarizing the public with and, drafting policy on the use of nuclear energy. We need political and budget supports from the government," he said.

He said the agency had conducted a feasibility study on the construction of nuclear power plants by taking into account safety, public interests and the environment.

The technological design of nuclear power plants with a multi defense system was also safe, he said.

"We do not need to dispose of nuclear waste because it can be used again as a source of fuel for nuclear power plants after being stored for some time," he said.

Tz.K007