Master plan of nuclear energy: A long-term commitment to increase the utilization of nuclear science and technology in Indonesia

Despite its active involvement in supporting the national development programs for more than sixty years, the role of nuclear science and technology (NST) for promoting the nation's level of excellence and welfare has not been fully acknowledged. The greatest challenge in increasing the utilization of NST comes mainly from its unique and specific characteristics which is usually associated with an advanced, complex and high risk technology. As a result, the degree of social acceptance of NST related products are generally in unfavourable level. Therefore, it is essential to have massive support from the government in terms of regulations and a long-term commitment to ensure the sustainability of research, development and utilization of NST along with the commercialization of its related product. Furthermore, it is also important to regulate the development of NST in Indonesia so that it is carried out in line with the national and thematic long-term development policies, including the 2017-2045 National Research Master Plan (RIRN), the National Industrial Development Master Plan (RIPIN) of the Year 2015-2035 and the National Energy Policy, to ensure the synergy between the main objectives of research, development and utilization of NST with the national development priorities. Those aforementioned issues suggest the necessity to have a comprehensive and inclusive master plan for NST development (RIKN) to guarantee the sustainability of research, development and utilization of NST and to ensure the highest beneficial impacts from NST related activities on increasing the nation's level of excellence and welfare. This paper aims to assess the strategic role of Riken, as a thematic long-term development policy, particularly in accelerating the realization of a nuclear-based industry in Indonesia, which is safe, secure, high-quality, competitive, and environmental friendly. (author)