Batan Lacks Young Nuclear Experts: Chief

Jakarta (Antara) -- The National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) has been unable to attract younger nuclear experts to join the agency, according to the chief of the organization, Djarot S. Winubroto. "The average age of the officials of BATAN is 51.4 years. The majority, or 41 percent, of them are aged between 51 and 55," Winubroto said here on Saturday. He added that employees of BATAN aged below 30 years accounted for only six percent of its staff, while the remaining 53 percent were 30 to 50 years old. "If the government carries out its plan to impose a moratorium on civil servant recruitment, BATAN will lose some 600 employees. Nuclear experts in the agricultural sector will complete their term in the next five years," he explained. (*)