London (Antara Bali)- Indonesia encourages the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of nuclear safety and security as well as the application of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA).
"The impetus was conveyed by Ambassador to the United Nations and other International Organizations Rachmat Budiman during the IAEA Board of Governors' session, which took place in Vienna, Austria, on September 7-11," Counselor of the Indonesian Embassy in Vienna Dody Kusumonegoro stated here on Friday.
As Chairman of the Indonesian delegation, Ambassador Budiman also reiterated Indonesia's commitment to assisting other developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, especially in the application of nuclear technology in various developments.
In the field of nuclear safety, the ambassador lauded the cooperation between Indonesia and the IAEA for developing infrastructure and improving the safety culture.
"Indonesia has a good track record of safety and security in the field of nuclear technology, but capacity development should be carried out to address the challenges of development and the utilization of nuclear technology. It is important as Indonesia plans to build nuclear power plants in the near future," he emphasized.
Various activities carried out in collaboration with the IAEA comprised safety review of simulation, safety culture, and self-assessment as well as cooperation in developing and strengthening nuclear infrastructure.
After the nuclear power plant accident in Japan, the international community continues to improve its nuclear safety standards worldwide.
Ambassador Budiman welcomed the efforts of the IAEA to assist its member countries in strengthening national capacities in the field of nuclear security. IAEA's support includes the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plans (INSSP) and the implementation of the Nuclear Security Plan for 2014-2017.
With regard to nuclear safety, a team of the International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) visited Indonesia to conduct an assessment and review of the infrastructure and physical security of the nuclear facilities in Indonesia.
Indonesia was the first country to hold a regional school on nuclear security in October last year.
The event was attended by 36 participants from 11 countries in Asia and Pacific.
Ambassador Budiman affirmed that Indonesia has excellence in the application of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, especially in agriculture, which is internationally recognized through the Outstanding Achievement Award in the field of mutation breeding.
Therefore, Indonesia expressed it readiness to help other developing countries through Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) in the field of mutation breeding. Through this cooperation, Indonesia would provide its expertise, while the funding would be obtained from other countries.
In addition, Indonesia is willing to increase regional cooperation, particularly through the laboratories of the National Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN), which has been set as the IAEA Collaborating Center for Industrial Applications of Nuclear Technology. (WDY)
