The meeting was chaired by Haendra Subekti, Deputy Chairman for Nuclear Safety Assessment of BAPETEN, and was attended by representatives of MCC, Millennium Challenge Account Indonesia II, Ministry of National Development Planning, Republic of Indonesia (Bappenas), as well as relevant working units within BAPETEN.

During the meeting, BAPETEN emphasized that the decision to construct an NPP falls under the authority of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. BAPETEN performs its function as an independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring that all uses of nuclear energy comply with the principles of safety, security, and safeguards (3S).

Michael Hamilton, representing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) delegation, raised several clarification questions regarding the role of the regulatory body, the applicable regulatory framework, and the stages of the licensing process should an NPP project be formally decided by the Government. BAPETEN explained that the licensing system is implemented in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations and refers to international safety standards, including the Safety Requirements and Safety Guides issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

With regard to technological aspects, BAPETEN emphasized that any proposed reactor design must comply with the applicable safety requirements and be supported by an adequate track record, including prior licensing or operational experience in other countries, in line with the policy framework currently being formulated by the Government.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of continuously strengthening regulatory capacity through international cooperation, enhancement of technical competencies, and the utilization of support mechanisms provided by the IAEA and nuclear regulatory authorities of other countries.

With regard to national infrastructure readiness, it was conveyed that the Government plans to update the national readiness assessment through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission mechanism. In this process, BAPETEN contributes particularly to the legal and regulatory framework aspects.

The meeting was conducted in a constructive atmosphere and formed part of the coordination and information exchange process to ensure that any policy on nuclear power plant (NPP) development, should it be decided, is implemented with the highest priority on safety and compliance with international standards.

[DP2IBN/Dedi Hermawan/BHKK/SP/HRUF]