The BAPETEN delegation, led by the Head of Centre for the Regulation Assessment of Nuclear Installations and Materials (P2STPIBN), Taruniyati Handayani, discussed the role of new energy sources particularly nuclear energy in meeting national energy needs and the contribution of regional governments in supporting this effort. She also explained the importance of public acceptance in the development of a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

The Regent of Bengkayang, Sebastianus Darwis, welcomed the visit and stated that the Bengkayang Regency Government is open to dialogue regarding the utilization of nuclear technology, as long as the entire process involves the community and its potential risks and environmental impacts are thoroughly assessed. “We support the strategic steps taken by the central government, including BAPETEN, in providing accurate understanding about nuclear energy. We hope that public education, especially for the younger generation, will continue to be carried out,” said Sebastianus.

Meanwhile, the Head of P2STPIBN emphasized that this visit is part of BAPETEN’s responsibility as a regulatory body to educate the public that any Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) to be developed must undergo safety and security evaluations by BAPETEN to ensure it provides maximum benefits to the community. “BAPETEN is committed to ensuring that every activity involving nuclear technology is strictly supervised to guarantee safety for both the public and the environment. Dialogues like this are essential for building a shared understanding of safety,” Taruniyati concluded. A shared understanding was reached that comprehensive and continuous education for younger generations is still needed to minimize misinformation within the community.

The meeting took place in a warm and open atmosphere. The Head of P2STPIBN was accompanied by Anggoro Septilarso, Activity Manager of the Non-Power Reactor Assessment Functional Group, and Khoirul Huda, Senior Radiation Supervisor. Also present was Netty Herawaty, a lecturer at Tanjungpura University and an expert in public communication. The meeting was attended by officials from the Bengkayang Regency Government, including the Regent, the Head of the District Attorney’s Office, the Commander of Military District 1209 Bengkayang, the Air Base Commander, the Head of the Environmental Agency, the Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office, the Head of the Investment and One-Stop Services Agency, the Head of the Community and Village Empowerment Office, and the Subdistrict Head of Sungai Raya. Through this engagement, it is expected that BAPETEN and the local government can build a shared understanding in ensuring the safe, transparent, and community-oriented utilization of nuclear technology. [P2STPIBN/BHKK/GP]