Listen to the people’s voice on nuclear plans: DPD

Regional Representative Council (DPD) deputy speaker Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas said on Sunday that the government should take into account the people’s concerns about plans to build nuclear plants in the regions.

“After reviewing the debate on the plan to build nuclear plants in Indonesia following the Japan earthquake and tsunami, I remind the government to be careful and to take into serious account the people’s rejection of the plan to build nuclear plants in their areas. How will the government guarantee safety and security if the plan is carried out?” she said, as quoted by Antara.

The 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan earlier this month caused damage at the country’s nuclear plant in Fukushima, triggering fears of radiation and radioactive leaks.

GKR Hemas said that some people in Muria and Belitung have voiced objections after their regions were designated as potential locations for building nuclear plants.

“There are abundant alternative energy potentials in the archipelago that are more environmentally friendly. Why not explore and exploit those?” she said.

The incident in Japan should serve as a warning for Indonesia, GKR Hemas said.

“The government should take seriously the effort to fulfill the people’s hope to build a more proper electricity generator for Indonesia. Indonesia doesn’t have to feel left behind just because it doesn’t have a nuclear energy generator,” she said.