Indonesia Committed to Nuclear Security: IAEA

Jakarta (Antara) -- A representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed his confidence in Indonesia's commitment to nuclear security. In a press conference following the inauguration of Indonesia's Center for Security Culture and Assessment (CSCA) in Serpong, Banten Province, on Monday, Kazuko Hamada said, "Indonesia is leading in the field of nuclear security. Not all countries understand the need for strong security measures." The CSCA has the potential of emerging as an important nuclear culture experiment across the world. "The National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) has demonstrated its achievements by carrying out independent studies," Hamada stated. "Building a culture of nuclear security is akin to inculcating an attitude and certain habits among individuals, organizations and institutions functioning as a facility to support and improve nuclear security." An enhanced culture of nuclear security will provide a sense of greater assurance that the entire nuclear security system will accomplish its functions well. These include preventing, detecting, delaying and responding to, theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, illegal transfer and other malicious acts involving radioactive material, associated facilities and transport. BATAN has implemented independent assessment methodologies in its nuclear reactors in Serpong, Bandung and Yogyakarta. BATAN Chief Djarot S Wisnubroto emphasized that his agency needs a culture of nuclear security because many of its employees are senior citizens. "When we become old, we usually feel comfortable and are not very vigilant. Therefore, a disciplinary culture is required," he stressed. (*)