"Indonesia is also involved in the preparation of UNSCEAR scientific documents, which are summarized in the publication of Effects of Ionizing Radiation as a report on UNSCEAR's work to the UN General Assembly," researcher at the Nuclear Energy Research Organization of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Nur Rahmah Hidayati, informed in a press statement accessed by ANTARA on the official website of BRIN here on Friday.
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Hidayati, who is also the Indonesian Representative for UNSCEAR, said that the publication, which is taken out periodically, contains scientific data related to the impact of atomic radiation, which is an important reference for efforts to improve global radiation protection standards.
The publication also serves as the main reference for the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), an international scientific organization that works for radiation protection and safety, for developing recommendations on radiation protection and safety in radiation applications in various fields of human life.
She said that the 69th annual UNSCEAR session from May 9–13, 2022, at the United Nations Building in Vienna, Austria, focused on discussing several topics related to the impact of radiation, which are the targets of the 2020–2024 work program.
At the UNSCEAR session, Indonesia contributed by sharing public radiation exposure data through the UNSCEAR Global Survey and providing advice regarding the Second Primary Cancer After Radiotherapy document.
During the session, Indonesia also provided additional documents or references from Indonesian researchers to be considered in documents regarding radiation exposure experienced by people and workers from various types of radiation sources in the environment.
Hidayati said she considers Indonesia's contribution to expertise and research data related to the impact of radiation very important for strengthening global radiation protection references.
Indonesia's membership of the UN committee has also had a positive impact by improving the quality of national radiation protection and safety standards, based on the exchange of information and expertise with other UNSCEAR member countries, she added.
"This membership needs to be maintained, including through active participation and involvement of Indonesian experts in various activities and programs carried out by UNSCEAR," she said.
The discussion on the impact of radiation at the 69th annual session of UNSCEAR covered three topics: exposure to radiation of people and workers from various types of sources in the environment and workplace, both in industry, health, and other sectors; exposure due to radiation accidents; and exposure due to the use of radiation for medical purposes as well as other specific data.
UNSCEAR is an international organization formed by the United Nations General Assembly during the 10th session on December 3, 1955.
Indonesia has been a member of UNSCEAR since December 14, 1973, after its membership was approved in the UN General Assembly through Resolution Number 3154 C (XXVIII). As of 2022, UNSCEAR comprises 31 member countries.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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