The meeting served as a coordination forum between the regulatory body and stakeholders to ensure that the development of the national strategic mineral industry continues to uphold aspects of radiation safety, security, and environmental protection. The meeting was attended by the Acting Chairman of BAPETEN and officials, while the BIM delegation included the Deputy for Research and Technology Development, along with officials, expert staff, and representatives from the Nuclear Energy Research Organization (ORTN) of BRIN.

The event commenced with opening remarks by the Acting Chairman of BAPETEN, Zainal Arifin. In his remarks, Zainal emphasized that the management of radioactive material in mineral industry activities requires serious attention, as its impacts are not only technical but also social and economic.

“Learning from the Cikande case, nuclear and/or radiation related issues are highly sensitive. In the event of radiation contamination, the impacts are not only technical but may also affect the social and economic sectors,” said Zainal.

He further noted that in the development of the rare earth element (REE) industry, BAPETEN’s attention is not limited to the production process, but also extends to by products or waste that may contain radioactive material. In addition to safety aspects, Zainal highlighted the importance of implementing safeguards and security measures in all activities involving radioactive material.

On the same occasion, the Deputy for Research and Technology Development of BIM, Yogi Wibisono Budhi, stated that BIM has been mandated by the President to accelerate the development of national strategic industries, including the rare earth element industry. He noted that in this process, safety aspects related to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) are among the primary concerns.

“Rare earth products must comply with applicable requirements. This meeting is not only intended to fulfill regulatory obligations, but also to ensure that safety aspects for both people and the environment remain a top priority,” he explained.

During the technical session, the Director of Licensing of Nuclear Installations and Materials of BAPETEN, Wiryono, delivered a presentation on the regulatory oversight of nuclear materials, particularly those associated with radioactive by products from mineral processing.

“BAPETEN implements a regulatory control system supported by three main pillars: regulations, licensing, and inspections. These pillars ensure that all activities involving radioactive material comply with safety, security, and safeguards requirements,” Wiryono explained.

Meanwhile, BIM Expert Staff Nur Heriawan presented the roles and functions of BIM, as well as the plan to develop a pilot plant for rare earth processing in Mamuju, Sulawesi Barat. The facility is intended to serve as a research platform for developing strategic mineral processing technologies prior to commercialization.

Discussions during the meeting also covered various technical aspects, including licensing, the management of radioactive containing waste, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that mineral processing activities comply with applicable safety standards.

In his closing remarks, Zainal reaffirmed BAPETEN’s support for the development of the rare earth industry in Indonesia, while ensuring the optimal implementation of safety, security, and safeguards.

“BAPETEN supports the industrialization of rare earth elements in Indonesia while ensuring the optimal implementation of safety, safeguards, and security,” he concluded.

Through this coordination, it is expected that the development of the national strategic mineral industry can proceed in a safe and responsible manner, in compliance with applicable nuclear safety standards, while also supporting national development toward the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. [DPIBN/BhaktiYoga/BHKK/HRUF/RA]