In addition to developing nuclear technology, we should bolster our capabilities in ensuring the safety and security of the entire populationJakarta (ANTARA) - The Nuclear Radiation Monitoring System for Safety and Security (SPRKK) can prevent the potential dangers of nuclear power, National Research and Innovation Agency's (BRIN's) Nuclear Power Research Organization (ORTN) stated.
Detector development is important due to the fact that Indonesia is a large nation, ORTN's Nuclear Technology Development Main Expert Kirstedjo Kurnianto noted.
"In addition to developing nuclear technology, we should bolster our capabilities in ensuring the safety and security of the entire population," he affirmed in a statement on BRIN's website on Wednesday .
SPRKK is an environmental radiation monitoring and detection system that works continuously and in real time, both in a normal and emergency circumstances, he explained.
The system can prevent nuclear emergencies that can potentially occur in the Material Out of Regulatory Control case that includes theft, abuse, smuggling, terrorism, and radioactive source malpractice.
Related news: Indonesia needs clear policies on nuclear energy development: BRIN
Every country utilizes radioactive sources in the medical and industry fields while 20 million radioactive sources are shipped annually, Kurnianto stated.
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, according to data from Nuclear Power Supervisory Agency's (Bapeten's) Licensing and Inspection System (Balis), there are more than 13 thousand radioactive source utilization permits.
Utilization of radioactive sources across the world can potentially trigger several challenges and threats for the environment, including in the black market trade and misuse.
In addition, BRIN realized that almost all detector products that exist in Indonesia are made overseas and the country still depends on other nations to maintain and operate these products, he remarked.
Related news: NGOs criticize New and Renewable Energy Bill's misaligning goals
Resolving these issues and responding to how Indonesia can be independent became the concern of the agency when it initiated the SPRKK program, he remarked.
To this end, it is important for Indonesia to continue to develop the radiation monitoring system to prevent the potential dangers of nuclear power.
To this day, from 172 harbors in Indonesia, Radiation Portal Monitors (RPM) were placed within seven portals.
Due to this, BRIN will continue development of the reliable national SPRKK program research.
BRIN will also bolster the national network both within the agency itself and between ministries or institutions as well as the international network in nuclear safety and security to be able create reliable and adequate national SPRKK.
Related news: BRIN researching fortified food to fight stunting
Related news: BRIN explores research funding collaboration with Netherlands
Translator: Martha H S, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
