Russia, Indonesia Explore Cooperation In Peaceful Uses Of Nuclear Energy

By Nik Nurfaqih Nik Wil

JAKARTA, May 13 (Bernama) -- Russia and Indonesia are exploring areas of cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including nuclear power projects, nuclear infrastructure development, personnel training and non-energy applications of nuclear technology.

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said in a statement that the matter was raised during a meeting on Tuesday between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and its Director General Alexey Likhachev, who is on a working visit to Indonesia.

Likhachev said it is particularly important for Rosatom that the dialogue between Russia and Indonesia in the nuclear field is developing in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. 

“Today, Indonesia has set ambitious goals for the development of nuclear energy, and therefore we are discussing not only technologies, but the creation of a long-term partnership.

“(The partnership is) focused on the development of a new industry for the country, the training of national personnel, the emergence of new competencies, and the strengthening of the country’s technological sovereignty,” he said in the statement.

Likhachev said Rosatom is ready to offer Indonesia a comprehensive approach to developing its national nuclear programme, including both large-scale nuclear power solutions and projects involving small modular reactors and floating power units.

According to Rosatom, both parties also paid particular attention to the integration of nuclear energy into Indonesia’s power system, taking into account the geographical specifics of the archipelagic state.

Rosatom said Russia and Indonesia have maintained cooperation in the nuclear field for nearly two decades, with this year marking the 20th anniversary of the bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, signed on Dec 1, 2006.

-- BERNAMA