IN OCTOBER 2006, newspaper reports had indicated that Indonesia
was planning the development of a nuclear power plant on the island
of Sulawesi, on its eastern reaches and in an area noted for major
earthquakes.
There was hardly a whimper from regional governments about the
inherent dangers of such a development within a hotbed of seismic
activity. On the contrary, the last few years have seen expressions
of interest among other Asean countries to also consider tapping
nuclear power, in the light of the rising cost of fossil fuels.
These responses would probably have encouraged the Indonesian
government to proceed with what may well be perilous plans. As
recently as last month, The Jakarta Post reported that Russia had
indicated it was ready to provide Indonesia with assistance to
build its own nuclear power plant.
The current horrors unfolding in Japan must serve as an
eye-opener to Indonesia of the apocalyptic gamble it takes in
placing a reactor on anything less than secure, firm ground.
Sulawesi is in close proximity to Asean countries, with
Singapore just 2,000km away. A serious radioactive leak from
Indonesian territory could well be a deadly bequest, unseen and
unstoppable, to its neighbours.
It is time that Asean's collective voice is heard, and in a
manner that will strongly discourage future gambles with innocent
lives.
Errol Goodenough
-- ST Forum