Indonesian regulations on research reactor modification

Full text: Currently, Indonesia possesses three research reactors operated by BATAN (National Nuclear Energy Agency). One of the reactors has been operated for more than thirty years and has been modified several times. This reactor has also been upgraded to 2 MW from its previous nominal power of 1 MW. To control the reactor modification projects, BAPETEN (Nuclear Energy Control Board of Indonesia) adopted an IAEA Safety Guide, SS No. 35-G2 and established the regulation guide, i.e. Decree of Chairman of Bapeten No. 10/Ka-BAPETEN/VI-99 regarding the safety of operation and modification of research reactors as references for safety evaluation. Nevertheless, since the similar or more complicated modification might also be done later for other reactors, Bapeten needs to set up more detailed safety guides, especially the ones for modification and/or upgrading reactors. This paper deals with the review of present regulatory provisions and guides relating to the safety of reactor modification, overview of experiences in controlling the reactor modification and some recommendations concerning the need of improved safety guides on reactor modification. (author)