The event was opened by the Regional Secretary of West Bangka Regency, Muhammad Soleh, who emphasized the importance of public participation in decision and policy making processes. Soleh explained that, “We are currently facing global energy challenges, which have led to increasing energy demands. At the same time, environmental sustainability must remain a priority. New and renewable energy sources are needed, one of which is nuclear energy. Therefore, the development of a NPP is a strategic step in achieving the net zero emission target by 2060. Nuclear energy policy is under the authority of the central government, while the role of regional governments is to respond positively through public consultation forums. Please raise issues related to safety, radioactive waste management, environmental impacts, and the role of local communities".

He continued, “This is a very important moment. We need accurate and transparent information. Community leaders, religious leaders, and the public let us have an open discussion so that everyone can understand nuclear energy. We can provide orderly and constructive input for this future project. The local government fully supports this activity. Please share any questions you may have about the benefits, risks, and impacts so that balanced information can be obtained.

Representing BAPETEN, the Director of Regulation of Nuclear Installations and Materials, Nur Syamsi Syam, stated that this activity serves as an opportunity for the public to convey their aspirations. She emphasized that the central government is working in synergy with regional governments, with the hope that information received by the community regarding the utilization of nuclear energy will remain balanced, considering both its benefits and associated risks.

She continued, “The central government has now developed several key policies, including Law No. 59 of 2024 and the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL). The RUPTL outlines a nuclear power capacity of 500 MW up to 2034, which will be integrated into two electricity systems; Sumatra and Kalimantan. One of the potential sites is located in West Bangka, due to its low risk of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity."

To ensure compliance with spatial planning requirements, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is being carried out to confirm that environmental impacts can be addressed within the Policy, Plan, and Program (KRP), and to ensure that these impacts are properly managed and remain safe for both the environment and the community.

In the utilization of nuclear energy, the principle of justification must be applied meaning that the benefits must outweigh the risks. It is expected that this SEA will provide both technical and social recommendations. For the implementation of this SEA, BAPETEN has conducted consultations with various central and regional ministries and institutions.

The Public Consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the NPP Development Policy, Plan, and Program continued with a series of presentations, including Nuclear Energy Utilization Oversight delivered by Anggoro Septilarso, the SEA for the NPP Development Policy, Plan, and Program presented by Langgeng, and a presentation on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology by Andhika Yudha Prawira. The SMR presentation highlighted that SMRs offer more flexible site selection, require smaller land areas, can be located closer to population centers, enable faster construction and operation, require fewer personnel, generate smaller volumes of waste, and have lower accident frequencies, while still requiring preparedness measures and considering infrastructure and grid impacts. The session also included guidance on completing participatory forms and identifying strategic issues for the SEA.

The event concluded with a discussion and question-and-answer session with participants, followed by the signing of the minutes of the Public Consultation on the SEA for the NPP Development Policy, Plan, and Program by participant representatives. [P2STPIBN/Imron/BHKK/OR]