The event was opened by the Deputy Regent of Bengkayang, Syamsul Rizal, who expressed the local government's support for a transparent and phased scientific assessment process.

"The government would never put its people in harm's way. This entire process is being conducted with careful, scientific consideration, prioritizing public safety. God willing, if the NPP becomes a reality in Bengkayang, the regency will become a driving force for progress and community prosperity," he stated.

He also encouraged the public to maintain an open and constructive mindset. "Let us support this process with an open mind, based on data and scientific studies. We are the ones who know our own region best. The government guarantees safety and transparency throughout this process," he added.

Remarks were also delivered by Taruniyati Handayani, Head of the Centre for Regulatory Assessment of Nuclear Installations and Materials (P2STPIBN) at BAPETEN. She emphasized that this activity was part of their regulatory oversight mandate, not a promotional campaign for NPP construction.

"We are not promoting the NPP. We are here to ensure that the entire process complies with regulations, remains transparent, and prioritizes safety. This forum serves as a space for the public to ask questions, gain understanding, and provide input," she explained.

A technical presentation was delivered by Anggoro Septilarso, Activity Coordinator for the Non-Power Reactor Assessment Group, at P2STPIBN at BAPETEN. He discussed aspects of radiation safety, the oversight of national nuclear facilities, and the implementation of the 3S principles: Safety, Security, and Safeguards. Also in attendance were BAPETEN Radiation Inspectors Tino Sawaldi Adi Nugroho, Imron, Rahmat Edhi Harianto, and Daddy Setyawan.

The presentation continued with Langgeng Wahyu Santosa, Head of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS) Working Group at the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Faculty of Geography. He explained that the KLHS is a mandatory instrument ensuring that any strategic development, including an NPP, aligns with principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

“The development of a nuclear power plant must guarantee safety and sustainability. The KLHS ensures that policy recommendations are formulated transparently, scientifically, and based on community participation,” he emphasized.

“Public involvement is a crucial part of the process; the engagement of local residents and regional governments is not merely a formality but key to ensuring the study's findings align with the region's characteristics and are accepted by the community,” he explained.

“UGM is participating as an independent expert body to safeguard the objectivity of the study. Whatever decision the state ultimately makes, it must be reached through a process that is sound, prudent, and prioritizes the safety of the public and the environment,” he concluded.

This forum provided a space for the community to participate actively and ensured the process remained transparent, participatory, and accountable.

The event concluded with a call to action from BAPETEN: “Together with BAPETEN, let us oversee the utilization of nuclear energy in Indonesia.”

Demonstrating a shared commitment, the event ended with the signing of an official record by representatives from BAPETEN, the Bengkayang Regency Government, the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), local government agencies, UGM academics, Sungai Raya Village community members, and school representatives, as well as representatives from the local coal-fired power plant (PLTU) and the business sector. These signatures affirmed support for an inclusive, data-driven scientific assessment process. [BHKK/SP/Translator: GP]