Title: Indonesia’s Nuclear Future Faces Ethical and Institutional Challenges
Date: October 10, 2023
As Indonesia considers its nuclear energy ambitions, a recent comprehensive analysis reveals deeper issues than mere technical capabilities. This examination, conducted over the past year, explores Indonesia’s nuclear outlook through diplomacy, culture, and structural factors. While various geopolitical alignments and technical proposals exist, the crux of the issue lies in the country’s core values.
Historically, Indonesia has pursued nuclear energy since the 1950s, with recent interests shifting toward thorium-based reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). However, these technologies have yet to achieve commercial viability. While U.S.-based firms pursue SMR projects, none have reached deployment or succeeded globally, raising concerns about Indonesia’s alignment with unproven solutions.
The case for nuclear energy extends beyond its environmental benefits; it becomes a matter of institutional integrity. The fundamental question is whether Indonesia’s political and regulatory frameworks can sustain a safe nuclear program. With a Transparency International ranking of 37 out of 100, the country’s history of corruption casts doubt on its ability to enforce necessary regulations, vital in the high-stakes world of nuclear energy.
Despite a pool of trained nuclear engineers, the systemic issues persist. Lax regulatory practices and a culture of discretionary governance create an environment where expertise risks being undermined. Nuclear energy, unlike other infrastructure projects, requires unwavering adherence to protocols, ethical standards, and accountability.
In conclusion, Indonesia’s nuclear ambitions, while technologically feasible, face significant ethical and institutional roadblocks. The true disqualification lies not in technology alone, but in the values guiding these nuclear decisions. Addressing these foundational concerns is crucial if the nation is to pursue a credible and safe nuclear energy future.
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