By Cundoko Aprilianto
JAKARTA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) considers that Indonesia is ready to have nuclear power plants as new energy source, an official said in an interview on Monday.
Responding to Xinhua's questions, Head of the National Atomic Agency (BATAN) Hudi Hastowo said that Indonesia has been preparing to have the power plants for a long time.
"And, the IAEA considers that we are ready. But why we haven't started yet?" he said, with such preparation, Indonesia only needs a decision from the president on the project.
According to Hudi, Indonesia already has 19 items that are almost ready.
He said 12 items that are considered ready, among others, are nuclear safety, safeguard, surveillance framework, radiation protection, power network, human resource development, environment protection, emergency mitigation plan, security and physical protection.
Meanwhile, four items that need sustainability are funding option, shareholders' involvement, supporting facilities and industrial involvement.
