Nuclear Power Plant in Java: "I am Afraid"


Friday, February 29 2008 @ 03:01 PM CST


Villagers and others opposed to the construction of Indonesia's first nuclear plant in the foothills of Mount Muria, a dormant volcano on the north coast of Java gathered by the thousands on Thursday in protest.NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN JAVA: "I AM AFRAID"Villagers and others opposed to the construction of Indonesia's first nuclear plant in the foothills of Mount Muria, a dormant volcano on the north coast of Java gathered by the thousands on Thursday in protest.Government officials have consistently brushed away complaints about the region's unstable tectonics and the project's high costs, contending that the country can ill-afford to forgo atomic energy. Environmentalists warn that on top of frequent earthquakes and occasional tsunamis, Indonesia has more environmentally sound sources of alternative power to chose from, including geothermals and natural gas.The Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI) says the quake that occurred in the Java Sea last August, which reached 7 on the Richter scale, confirms that the area is unsuitable for the construction of a nuclear power plant. The organization argues the planned development of a nuclear power plant in Semenanjung Muria, Central Java will increase the disaster risk because there are almost no areas in Indonesia that are free of earthquakes. The nuclear radiation leakage accident at the Japanese Kashizawaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant last July WAHLI again demonstrates that there is no nuclear power plant design that can overcome natural phenomena such as earthquakes. WALHI contends, "It was lucky that there was not worse radiation leakage, since the majority of the nuclear reactor complex had been shut down for inspections by the Japanese nuclear safety agency due to some previous instances where reactor safety data had been falsified by TEPCO. If not for this, a major disaster could have occurred with regional impacts.""What happened in Japan is a warning," said Dian Abraham, coordinator of Manusia, an anti-nuclear lobby in Jakarta. "It could happen here. The government should stop their plans now.""Under the area where the power plant is planned there is now a minor fracture that didn't exist in the 1990s," says Nur Hidayati, the Jakarta-based climate and energy coordinator for Greenpeace Southeast Asia. "Indonesia has a lot of earthquakes. If a nuclear power plant is built here, the dangers will increase."Clearly the villagers around the site of the proposed plant agree.'Members of the Balong village community oppose the nuclear power plant!' reads a huge anti-nuclear banner fixed at the village's entrance gate."I am afraid the power plant will explode, and even if it doesn't explode, radiation could still leak," Sutrisno, a 59-year-old schoolmaster whose wooden home is one and a half kilometers, or one mile, from the planned power plant told the International Herald Tribune not long ago.Java, it must be pointed out, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.However, it isn't only on Java people are concerned.Australian critics fear a catastrophic accident would have a major impact on nearby countries, of which they are one.Clive Hamilton, an Australian who has just spent two years as a senior economic and environmental adviser to the National Planning Agency in Jakarta, said one of his main concerns was that "Indonesia does not, at the moment, have the technical expertise to safely operate nuclear power plants."He said Indonesia was "an extremely unstable area geographically."If nuclear power were developed there, he added, then Australia and other nearby countries, particularly Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and Papua New Guinea, "should be very concerned because there is the potential of a major accident."Despite fears of accidents and the opposition of environmental groups several Southeast Asian governments have either firm plans to develop nuclear power stations in the coming decade or have begun studies into its potential. The following is from the Jakarta Post.Locals reject nuclear project on Mount Muria Up to 3,000 villagers staged a rally in Jepara, Central Java, (which if you look really close is the red dot on the accompanying map) Thursday to oppose the planned construction of a nuclear power plant on the regency's Mount Moria.The protesters, mostly residents of Balong village in the Kembang subdistrict, as well as students and activists, carried protest posters and banners.They converged at a building in the middle of a sugar cane plantation which served as the National Atomic Energy Agency's Ujung Lemah Abang Nuclear Power Station Safety and Research observation facility.They stopped at the building entrance and addressed the crowd on the risks associated with nuclear power and later worked together to form the foundation of a concrete wall."This is our fourth protest since last year," rally coordinator Firdaus Rahmadi told The Jakarta Post at the site on Thursday."We only sealed the building symbolically in the three earlier demonstrations, but now we are really sealing it with a concrete wall."He said despite the protests, the government had not been decisive on the construction of the power station, which he said it had planned since the 1980s."The presence of the office, built in 1995, indicates that the government will resume with its plan," Firdaus said."We have decided to oppose it due to the risks it would pose to our lives."We also demand the central government to revoke the law pertaining to nuclear energy enacted in 1997," he said.The idea on the nuclear power plant came from former vice President B.J. Habibie when he was minister for research and technology in the 1990s and it won support from former president Soeharto.The plan was closely linked with the construction of the large Kedung Ombo dam, but the project was stopped after it met with strong opposition both at home and overseas.Bricklayers and residents worked hard to erect the wall which measured around eight meters in length.Trucks carrying sand, bricks, cement and water were going back and forth at the site, right in front of security guards.Mufid Busyairi, a legislator of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and member of the agriculture and forestry affairs commission at the House of Representatives, was picked to lay the wall's corner stone, which was followed-up by Balong village officials and residents."I purposely came here to observe the public's aspirations firsthand," Mufid said.A number of House members have reportedly decided to oppose the planned nuclear power station.Those who come from the Jepara electoral district have long-since opposed it."But the House is split over the plan," Mufid said.Balong village chief Suwanto was compelled to engage in the brick-laying activity because residents urged all village officials to take part."I'm in the middle. I can only follow the wishes of the people," Suwanto said."But on the other hand I also wish they could comply with the existing law."I'm grateful they have never resorted to anarchy during the series of protests so far," he said.A philosophy student at the Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, Darul Hasyimfath, said he was surprised to see House members at the protest in favor with the people."Don't be a hero in this issue," he said,"Even we students, who had earlier informed people of the hazards of nuclear energy, feel that we haven't done anything special."The local residents are actually the champions."They fight for the cause."The House members are just politicians."Now they may likely say they oppose the program, but they will be in favor later when the political course shifts," Darul said.



From http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20080229150138185

Villagers against Indonesia's plans for nuclear power plant



By Sukino Harisumarto Aug 26, 2007, 18:02 GMT



Balong, Indonesia - Like the majority of villagers in Indonesia's densely populated Central Java province, 40-year-old Suhadi opposes the government's plan to built its first-ever nuclear power plant near his home.
It's not that Suhadi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, wouldn't appreciate an end to rolling power outages and rationing, but that he fears a possible catastrophe.
'I just want to raise a question on whether the government can guarantee that a nuclear power plant is totally safe.' Suhadi, a farmer of Balong village, about 450 kilometres east of Jakarta, told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.
'Or can they make sure that there won't be a big earthquake in this region that may trigger leakage at the plant?' he asked.
Only weeks after a recent earthquake in Japan heavily damaged one of the world's largest nuclear reactors and caused radiation leakage, residents here were deeply concerned with the proposed plant site only 1,500 metres from their village.
'Members of the Balong village community oppose the nuclear power plant!' reads a huge anti-nuclear banner fixed at the village's entrance gate.
However, the Jakarta government, which also has 230 million other Indonesians to consider, not to mention its industrial economic production, thinks otherwise.
Desperately seeking new sources of electricity to meet rising demand, Indonesia is moving ahead with controversial plans to build its first nuclear power plant, which if completed on schedule in 2017, would be the first in Southeast Asia.
It has chosen a site in the Muria Peninsula - now paddy fields and rubber plantations - at the foot of the 1,600-metre dormant Mount Muria volcano on the northern coast of Central Java.
Bidding on the tender for the 1.6-billion dollar plant, which officials say will produce as much as 4,000 megawatts of power by 2025, may begin as early as next year.
However, Indonesia is located along the so-called 'Pacific Ring of Fire,' a region prone to volcanic eruptions and destructive earthquakes. In May 2006, a 6.3-magnitude tremblor devastated parts of Central Java's cultural city Yogyakarta and nearby regions, killing more than 5,800 people. Yogyakarta lies about 200 kilometres south of Mount Muria.
Residents, backed by environmental activists who had for years opposed the government's plan, fear that the slightest tremor could trigger a fresh eruption and spell disaster for any reactor in its path. A radioactive leak could lead to human catastrophe on Java, one of the world's most densely populated islands with more than 100 million people.
'I don't want that recent incident in Japan or the Chernobyl disaster to occur here,' said Suhadi, whose red-brick home is 1 kilometre from the planned plant.
Despite their concerns, officials from the country's National Nuclear Energy Agency insist the Muria Peninsula was chosen only after feasibility studies found that the location is in the 'safest area' in terms of volcanic and tectonic activities or tsunami threats.
Hudi Hastowo, the agency's chairman, ruled out a possible eruption of the Mount Muria, claiming that the volcano has been dormant for thousands of years.
'Mount Muria volcano is in a phase of rest,' he said assured.
In a long-term energy plan released in 2006, government officials estimated that by 2025 about 4 to 5 per cent of the country's electricity supply will come from a string of power plants across Central Java, stressing that the nuclear energy was part of the country's national energy policy.
Indonesia is South-East Asia's only member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, but its oil output has fallen in recent years to about 1 million barrels per day amid flagging investment. Nuclear technology has already been extensively applied in Indonesia, principally used for agriculture, animal husbandry, health, water resources and industry.
But environment activists claim that in recent years scientists have discovered a small geological fault below the proposed location. They say there are cheaper, safer ways to generate power since the country has abundant geothermal heat, hydro-power, natural gas and coal.
The Indonesian branch of the international environmental group Greenpeace called on the Indonesian government to heed the strong protests of the locals and nature lovers against the plan.
'The recent post-quake incident in the Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant in Japan is one of many warnings which should have been seriously heeded by the government and killed its ambition to built a nuclear energy facility,' said Nur Hidayati, a Greenpeace South-East Asia's climate and energy campaigner.
The July 16 earthquake forced Japanese authorities to indefinite shut down to Kashiwazaki's reactor after a 6.8-magnitude tremblor damaged the plant.
Local community leaders had accused officials within the central government only conveying information to the public through media reports on the benefits of the plant, without explaining the potential dangers.
The only senior official siding with the villagers of Balong is Environmental Minister Rachmat Witular, who wants the government to freeze the project until it is certain that it will be safe, or until there are no more objection from locals nearby.
'As long as there is opposition from the local community, a nuclear reactor cannot be built there,' Witular said.



From: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/energywatch/nuclear/features/article_1347879.php/Villagers_against_Indonesias_plans_for_nuclear_power_plant

The article below shows the harmful effects a nuclear disaster has on the environment, as a news team explores the remains of the world's largest nuclear disaster- the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine.

The passages in white shows the extent of the toxic radioactivity in the place even after 22 years- a member of the group went over his exposure limit to radioactivity just 10mins after being at the site, which shows how serious the radioactivity is at the place.

The passages in pink shows the political aspects of a nuclear power- how the United States is willing to "donate" the money to Ukraine so as to "secure the future of nuclear power", otherwise other people will object to their government building nuclear plants (such as in the article 'Villagers against Indonesia's plans for nuclear power plant', one of the villagers is fearful for the same thing in Chernobyl to happen in Indonesia should they build a nuclear plant there. "'I don't want that recent incident in Japan or the Chernobyl disaster to occur here,' said Suhadi, whose red-brick home is 1 kilometre from the planned plant.")

The sentence in orange shows how lasting the effects of a nuclear disaster will be- a steel arch that costs $1.5billion will only be able to contain the radiation for 100years. After the 100years, the people of Ukraine will have to find another way to overcome to contain the radiation, as the radiation will still be there.

Chernobyl, 22 Years Later
Exploring The Rubble Of The World's Largest Nuclear Disaster

CHERNOBYL, Ukraine, March 31, 2008

(CBS) Twenty-two years after the world's worst nuclear accident, radiation danger at Chernobyl is still so severe that a 16-mile area remains sealed - reached only through two checkpoints. CBS News correspondent Bill Plante was allowed inside with a camera crew.

The meltdown left a simmering stew of toxic radioactivity under the rubble, covered by a hastily built shelter that's crumbling.

"There's still a massive inventory of radionucleides inside the shelter - and the shelter is far from being airtight," said project manager Laurin Dodd.

Work is finally underway on a permanent solution, but Chernobyl today is still a very dangerous place.

Special protective clothing is required. The radiation level is so high that you can't stay long.

The construction equipment cabs have lead sheeting; every bucket of rubble is monitored for radiation.

The solution, 10 years in the planning, is an enormous steel arch, to be built in sections, then moved on tracks over the reactor.

At 345 feet, it'll be taller than the statue of liberty - and wider, at 840 feet, than the St. Louis Gateway Arch.

Not only is the project huge, but so is the cost: almost $1.5 billion. And the United States is the largest-single country donor. Why? Not just to help Ukraine, but also to help guarantee the future of nuclear power.

"Nuclear power will always have a shadow over it as long as Chernobyl is a message of concern," said U.S. ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor.

CBS News was on the site less than 10 minutes when one member of the group went over his exposure limit.

"Right now the dose rate is 200 times the background of what you'd have in Washington, D.C.," Dodd said.

The steel arch is supposed to keep the radiation contained for at least 100 years - while future generations figure out how to dispose of the mess.

© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

From: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/31/eveningnews/main3984592.shtml

A few alternatives to replace nuclear power would include:

-using geothermal heat, which is obtaining power using the Earth's interior heat, is a good alternative source of energy because it is environenmentally-friendly as it does not emit CO2 or other greenhouse gases in the process. And Indonesia is a good country to use geothermal heat because "Indonesia sits atop one of the best geothermal heat sources on this planet. The islands formed over a vast subduction plate boundary where the Eurasian and Australian plates are in collision. These processes are still very active. About 200 volcanoes are distributed across the Indonesian island arc and many of the areas which surround them could host viable geothermal power plants." [1]

-hydropower, which is obtaining energy using moving water, is environmentally-friendly because it does not emit CO2 or other greenhouse gases in the process. Although Indonesia has high hydropower potential, because of its hilly terriains and high precipitation all year round, this potential is highly untapped because "the greatest potential (over 35%) is in Irian Jaya, which has less than 1% of total electrical demand, while Java, with about 80% of the demand, has less than 10% of the total potential, most of which has already been developed" [2]

-natural gas, which is using liquified petroleum gas to generate elecity, is not a good source of energy because it is depleting the country's natural resources. Furthermore, Indonesia is already running out of natural gas, "Indonesia is in danger of losing its dominance of the world's market for liquefied natural gas as its fields are running out of gas faster than expected."


[1] Taken from: http://geology.com/news/2006/11/indonesias-geothermal-potential.html
[2] Taken from: http://books.google.com.sg/books?id=fnNYtXaZpr0C&pg=PT49&lpg=PT49&dq=indonesia+hydropower&source=web&ots=
dHJveo74fM&sig=3LkRKGI_bGPQ-LQOoPHF4jLuges&hl=en
[3] Taken from: http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/09/bloomberg/bxgas.php

Although building a nuclear plant has certain advantages such as having "lower fuel costs and the absence of air pollution", which would mean a big plus for the Indonesia government as they are "Desperately seeking new sources of electricity to meet rising demand", a nuclear plant would spell danger for the residents residing near Mount Muria volcano, where the nuclear plant would be built, due to the fact that "the slightest tremor could trigger a fresh eruption and spell disaster for any reactor in its path. A radioactive leak could lead to human catastrophe on Java, one of the world's most densely populated islands with more than 100 million people. "

Online meeting on MSN
Time: 9pm-9.30pm
Date: 31 March 2008
Attendance: Joan, Jiali and Marie

Agenda:
1) Progress of the online journal

Progress of online journal

1) As Mr Ang have asked for the journal URL to be given to him by Friday, we decided to have a meeting to discuss the progress of our online journal and how we can improve it further since it will be graded.

1.1) After reviewing the articles as well as research done, we realised that our points were very scattered. Even though we were supposed to do a specific part according to the Scope of Research (minutes of meeting 2), many articles and research will have more than 1 point in them. Thus, we decided to collate these points together, as well as answer the questions from the scope of research, and add any extra information if needed. Subsequently, after someone has posted her article or research, she will edit the post and add on the the collated points. Hence, the whole journal would look more organised.

1.1.1) Jiali will be collating points 1 and 2 from the Scope of Research (Minutes of meeting 2). Joan will be collating points 3.1 and 5, and Marie will be collating points 3.2.

1.2) We realiesd that most of our annotations in articles or reseach do not follow a specific format i.e. Marie and Joan were posting the whole article with the annotations, as well as a summary of their annotations on the blog. However, Jiali summarised her main points and just posted the main points. In the end, we reached an agreement that we would leave it as it is, and leave the authors to format the blog for themselves, as different people would have different preferences. Furthermore, the format of the post would not affect the quality of the research.

1.3) We have also decided to extend all the datelines so that it would fall on the same date. The datelines for all 4 points would be on 25 April as we thought that more articles might surface given a longer period of time.

1.4) Jiali reminded everyone that the font colour should not blend in with the skin of the blog, as problems might arise when the words cannot be seen clearly.

Below is an except from an Asia Times Online article "Asia’s tigers eye nuclear future" by Geoffrey Gunn.

annotations are typed in italics.

Top down versus bottom up

In 2005 Indonesia, the world’s largest producer of natural gas and long an oil exporter, announced that it was proceeding with the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant. This is to be sited on the Miura peninsula, actually the slopes of a dormant volcano, on the northeast coast of central Java.

Originally announced in 1995 under the Suharto regime (and the hobby horse of future President then Minister of Technology B J Habibie), but shelved owing to public opposition as much as to the effects of the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98, the project involves construction of four 1,000 megawatt plants, down from the 12 originally planned. Construction is to begin in 2010 with completion slated for 2017. A site on Madura island has also been identified for a separate reactor. Reportedly, a new constellation of business and political figures are behind the enthusiasm for Madura, including vice president Yusuf Kalla.

Nevertheless, criticism of the project has emerged from legislators, academics, a broad section of public opinion and vocal local residents. Unstable geology and environmental concerns are stated as reasons for objection, while critics also contend that Indonesia is blessed with many alternative untapped sources of power including thermal. Such vocal environmental groups as WALHI, or the Indonesian Forum for Environment, argue that even a small radioactive leak could potentially affect tens of millions of people in one of the most densely populated places in the world. [13] This showed that creating a nuclear power plant had invited much criticism and controversy in the country and the world. All these criticism are based on mainly the negative effects and dangers of a nuclear power plant. These negative effects do not only target Indonesia alone, but also other countries in the world, like for example, a small radioactive leak could pose as a hazard to other densely populated areas. Furthermore, Indonesia need not have to depend on a nuclear power plant for a source of power, as Indonesia ahd other alternative, less hazardous, sources of power. This brought even more criticism from local people and other environmental groups in other countries.

In June 2007, some 4,000 demonstrators against the project rallied at the central Javanese site, including a local chapter of Greenpeace. In October, 100 clerics and scholars from the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, Nahdatul Ulama, descended on the site and, after deliberations, issued a fatwa declaring the Muria site haram or forbidden, albeit more on pragmatic than strictly religious grounds. [14]

According to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI report, Indonesia has largely succeeded in creating an "indigenous fuel cycle". Although conducted only at the laboratory level, evidence indicates that Indonesia is active in uranium milling, processing and conversion. Its nuclear research program spans five decades. Three research reactors are in operation with a fourth planned. Indonesia hosts at least two uranium mines capable of supplying sufficient yellowcake to service domestic needs for planned reactors. While Indonesia operates under IAEA safeguards, SIPRI’s stated concern is that given the questionable security of the management of nuclear waste, "it is conceivable that terrorist organizations could utilize its spent waste in a radiological device ('dirty bomb')". [15] This paragraph further addresses the problems that a nuclear power plant could bring, like a possible weapon for terrorist organisations.

Perhaps of greater concern is the combination of unstable geological conditions and dubious safeguards to control the technology. While Indonesia appears to be committed to the peaceful development of nuclear energy, an indigenous route to power plant construction is not in the cards. In August 2003, Indonesia signed a 10-year nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia, which includes construction of a research reactor and a power reactor. General Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Areva of France and Toshiba are all also lining up as potential contractors. Back in 1994, Japanese consultants conducting a feasibility study cleared the way. Indonesian firm Medco Energi Internasional, with links to Vice President Kalla, has signed a preliminary contract with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co Ltd to build the plant. But as Australian journalist Tom Hyland reports, "Details of the deal are secret, adding to unease in a country where corruption remains endemic." He adds that even though power generation has devolved to the province level, nuclear power remains the last of the Suharto-era big projects imposed from above. [16]

Back in 1994 major criticism of the project came from Australian experts in the field (although not the Australian government) owing to concerns of a potential accident, especially as monsoon winds would expose northern Australia to radioactive fallout. On the other hand, it would not be surprising if Indonesia had concerns that Australia would acquire or produce nuclear weapons, especially as successive conservative governments held to that option through until the early 1970s, a debate revisited in recent years. [17]

As Richard Tanter has summarized, "The consequences of Indonesia and Australia pursuing their somewhat non-rational approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle could have very negative consequences for people who are already suspicious of each other." [18] This showed that the writer believes that the nuclear power plant would add on to the conflicts between countries due to suspicions, and thus the building of nuclear power plant should not be encouraged.

From: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JB15Ae03.html

New Research (II) - Reasons to construct a nuclear power plant in Java

Apparently, the lack of energy constitutes one of the key problems hampering economic development in Indonesia. There is a growing demand for energy if Indonesia wants to sustain its economic growth. The demand for electricity, is understandable and the need to secure a long-term electricity supply is more pressing in Java. It is known that after 2016, Java and Bali alone will need an additional 1,500 to 2,000MW annually. Indonesia desperately needs new sources of electricity to meet rising demand. It wants to develop a nuclear power plant on Java island despite concerns by environmental groups that country's frequent earthquakes makes nuclear power unsafe.

Motivation
Indonesia has various reasons for wanting to build nuclear reactors:

1. Domestic energy consumption in Indonesia is growing rapidly.

2. Nuclear energy will reduce Indonesia's dependence on its limited resources such as petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Indonesia, an OPEC member and long-time net oil exporter became a net importer of oil at the beginning of 2005. Nuclear energy, like coal, natural gas, and biofuel may allow Indonesia to diversify from petroleum.

3. If domestic energy consumption can be provided through nuclear energy, it may be possible to export more oil, resulting in a rise in economy for Indonesia.

4. Producing other renewable energy from other sources, such as wind power and solar power, are far more
expensive.

5. Japan, like Indonesia, earthquakes frequently occur, has nuclear reactors.

6. The emission of harmful gases can be reduced.

Note: The construction of a nuclear power plant in Java, Indonesia is at a high risk of being a white elephant and one precedent here is the reactor that was built in the Philippines at the cost of 2 billion dollars and has never generated a single watt of useful electricity due to safety concerns over it. Also, Indonesia currently does not have any significant nuclear industry at the moment, except for a small research reactor which does not produce much waste. Thus, it can be said that Indonesia has very little experience with managing waste. They do not have any operating nuclear waste repository so one thing that is certainly an issue in Australia is a possibility that Australia might be asked not only to sell uranium to Indonesia but also to take back the high-level nuclear waste.

Links:
An Interview
Newspaper Article

The article below shows some problems that the villagers of Centra Java staying near the Muria Peninsula may face if the Indonesia government builds its nuclear power plant there.

3.1) This is due to the fact that a slight tremor could cause the volcano to erupt, and could damage the nuclear plant, and thus, triggering a radioactive leak. (evidence in yellow)

4) A few alternatives were also suggested by environmental activists that could replace nuclear power to generate energy. (evidence in orange)

Villagers against Indonesia's plans for nuclear power plant
By Sukino Harisumarto Aug 26, 2007, 18:02 GMT

Balong, Indonesia - Like the majority of villagers in Indonesia's densely populated Central Java province, 40-year-old Suhadi opposes the government's plan to built its first-ever nuclear power plant near his home.

It's not that Suhadi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, wouldn't appreciate an end to rolling power outages and rationing, but that he fears a possible catastrophe.

'I just want to raise a question on whether the government can guarantee that a nuclear power plant is totally safe.' Suhadi, a farmer of Balong village, about 450 kilometres east of Jakarta, told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

'Or can they make sure that there won't be a big earthquake in this region that may trigger leakage at the plant?' he asked.

Only weeks after a recent earthquake in Japan heavily damaged one of the world's largest nuclear reactors and caused radiation leakage, residents here were deeply concerned with the proposed plant site only 1,500 metres from their village.

'Members of the Balong village community oppose the nuclear power plant!' reads a huge anti-nuclear banner fixed at the village's entrance gate.

However, the Jakarta government, which also has 230 million other Indonesians to consider, not to mention its industrial economic production, thinks otherwise.

Desperately seeking new sources of electricity to meet rising demand, Indonesia is moving ahead with controversial plans to build its first nuclear power plant, which if completed on schedule in 2017, would be the first in Southeast Asia.

It has chosen a site in the Muria Peninsula - now paddy fields and rubber plantations - at the foot of the 1,600-metre dormant Mount Muria volcano on the northern coast of Central Java.
Bidding on the tender for the 1.6-billion dollar plant, which officials say will produce as much as 4,000 megawatts of power by 2025, may begin as early as next year.

However, Indonesia is located along the so-called 'Pacific Ring of Fire,' a region prone to volcanic eruptions and destructive earthquakes. In May 2006, a 6.3-magnitude tremblor devastated parts of Central Java's cultural city Yogyakarta and nearby regions, killing more than 5,800 people. Yogyakarta lies about 200 kilometres south of Mount Muria.

Residents, backed by environmental activists who had for years opposed the government's plan, fear that the slightest tremor could trigger a fresh eruption and spell disaster for any reactor in its path. A radioactive leak could lead to human catastrophe on Java, one of the world's most densely populated islands with more than 100 million people.

'I don't want that recent incident in Japan or the Chernobyl disaster to occur here,' said Suhadi, whose red-brick home is 1 kilometre from the planned plant.

Despite their concerns, officials from the country's National Nuclear Energy Agency insist the Muria Peninsula was chosen only after feasibility studies found that the location is in the 'safest area' in terms of volcanic and tectonic activities or tsunami threats.

Hudi Hastowo, the agency's chairman, ruled out a possible eruption of the Mount Muria, claiming that the volcano has been dormant for thousands of years.

'Mount Muria volcano is in a phase of rest,' he said assured.

In a long-term energy plan released in 2006, government officials estimated that by 2025 about 4 to 5 per cent of the country's electricity supply will come from a string of power plants across Central Java, stressing that the nuclear energy was part of the country's national energy policy.
Indonesia is South-East Asia's only member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, but its oil output has fallen in recent years to about 1 million barrels per day amid flagging investment. Nuclear technology has already been extensively applied in Indonesia, principally used for agriculture, animal husbandry, health, water resources and industry.

But environment activists claim that in recent years scientists have discovered a small geological fault below the proposed location. They say there are cheaper, safer ways to generate power since the country has abundant geothermal heat, hydro-power, natural gas and coal.
The Indonesian branch of the international environmental group Greenpeace called on the Indonesian government to heed the strong protests of the locals and nature lovers against the plan.

'The recent post-quake incident in the Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant in Japan is one of many warnings which should have been seriously heeded by the government and killed its ambition to built a nuclear energy facility,' said Nur Hidayati, a Greenpeace South-East Asia's climate and energy campaigner.

The July 16 earthquake forced Japanese authorities to indefinite shut down to Kashiwazaki's reactor after a 6.8-magnitude tremblor damaged the plant.

Local community leaders had accused officials within the central government only conveying information to the public through media reports on the benefits of the plant, without explaining the potential dangers.

The only senior official siding with the villagers of Balong is Environmental Minister Rachmat Witular, who wants the government to freeze the project until it is certain that it will be safe, or until there are no more objection from locals nearby.

'As long as there is opposition from the local community, a nuclear reactor cannot be built there,' Witular said.

© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

New Research (I) - Nuclear Power

What is nuclear power?

Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus of an atom. Atoms are tiny particles that make up every object in the universe. There is enormous energy in the bonds that hold atoms together. Nuclear energy can be used to make electricity. But first the energy must be released. It can be released from atoms in two ways: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.

In nuclear fission, atoms are split apart to form smaller atoms, releasing energy. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to produce electricity. The energy is both heat and light energy. Einstein said that a very small amount of matter contains a very LARGE amount of energy. This energy, when let out slowly, can be harnessed to generate electricity.

In nuclear fusion, energy is released when atoms are combined or fused together to form a larger atom. This is how the sun produces energy. Fusion means joining smaller nuclei (the plural of nucleus) to make a larger nucleus. The sun uses nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium atoms. This gives off heat and light and other radiation.In the picture to the right, two types of hydrogen atoms, deuterium and tritium, combine to make a helium atom and an extra particle called a neutron.What's better about nuclear fusion is that it creates less radioactive material than fission, and its supply of fuel can last longer than the sun.

How is the heat energy converted into electricity?

Nuclear reactors control the chain reaction and harness the heat. Two main types of nuclear reactor are used to generate electricity:

• heavy water reactors
• light water reactors

• In pressurized water reactors, high-pressure, high-temperature water removes heat from the core and is then passed to a steam generator. Here the heat is transferred to a stream of water in the generator, causing the water to boil. The steam powers a steam turbine.

• In a boiling-water reactor, water passing through the core boils, and the steam from the reactor is used directly in the power cycle.

The advantages of nuclear power plants include lower fuel costs and the absence of air pollution. In short, nuclear power is energy which is produced with the use of a controlled nuclear reaction.

Links:

1) What is Nuclear Power?

2) Nuclear Energy - Fusion and Fission

Physics SIA Meeting 2:

Online meeting on Microsoft Network (MSN)
Time: 11.0am- 1.00pm
Date: 9th February 2008
Attendance: Joan, Jiali and Marie

Note:
Mr. Ang has commented from the 1st proposal that our research focus was unclear and whole topic of "radioactive waves" were too wide. Also, Singapore does not make use of nuclear power to generate electricity. Thus, he suggested for us to focus our area of research on Indonesia's plan to construct a nuclear power plant in Java as Indonesia is a neighbouring country, and if it really constructs the nuclear power plant, there is a possibility that Singapore would be affected by the radioactive waves emitted if there is a nuclear energy leak.

Our group agreed to use his idea because we are able to relate to Mr. Ang's idea better since the topic involves Singapore and our neighbour country, Indonesia. Also, our project would be more specific and targeted at a problem instead of simply researching on "radioactive waves".

Agenda:
1) Scope of our research
2) Delegation of tasks
3) Setting of deadlines for the tasks

Scope of Research

1) What exactly is nuclear power?
- Definition of it
- List the physics principles of nuclear power related to the "green" issue

2) Why is there a need to develop a nuclear power plant in Java?

- What will the nuclear power plant be used for?

3.1) Problems underlying the construction of the nuclear power plant.

- Being located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcano eruptions
- How does this fact affect the plan to construct a nuclear power plant in Indonesia?

3.2) Impacts of the construction of the nuclear power plant.

- Impacts of the nuclear reactors on the environment in Indonesia, Singapore and/or other neighbouring countries as well, relating to each country's fragile and limited resources
- List of the pros and cons of having the nuclear power plant in Java
- Justifying to a larger extent whether the nuclear power plant is beneficial or harmful to the environment.

4) Other alternatives to replace Nuclear Power

- Analyze the pros and cons of each alternative methods -> whether it is more environmental-friendly?
- Are these alternatives better than the current plan to use nuclear power?

Delegation of Tasks

Points 1 and 2 ------------------------------- Jia Li
Point 3.1 ------------------------------------ Joan
Point 3.2 ------------------------------------ Marie
Point 4 -------------------------------------- Jia Li and Joan

Ps: The three of us will post our individual research findings in this online journal. Articles and pictures will be included to enhance understanding of research. It is not necessary for us to strictly stick to our individual parts, thus there will be minor editings and changes done to each individual research by our team members who is not in charge of that area of research.

Deadlines

Points 1 and 2 --------------------- 03 April
Point 3.1 --------------------------- 06 April
Point 3.2 --------------------------- 15 April
Point 4 ----------------------------- 25 April

For the poster and presentation aspect of our physics project, we decided not to worry about them as they is due in Term 3. It is important for us to get our research done first as the poster is largely a summary of our research.

We decided to choose to investigate on the harmful effects of radioactive particles on the environment due our interest in the subject. Also, information can be easily accessible as the physics textbook and the internet provide as good resources for research, especially since radioactive particles is a new phenomenon in the world because it is a result of nuclear weapons being used. Thus, our group aims to 1) investigate the effects of these radioactive particles on the environment, as well as 2) find other methods to replace the usage of nuclear power, and 3) list the pros and cons of each methods

Background:

Radioactive particles contaminate out Earth’s fragile resources and environment. These radioactive particles are produced in the processing of radioactive isotopes, the manufacture and testing of nuclear weapons and the running of nuclear power reactors. In the case of a nuclear explosion, fine dust particles will be injected into the strastosphere which may decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface thus affecting the production of crops in various parts of the Earth. Radioactive particles in the atmosphere may contaminate the Earth and water resources when they are brought down to the ground by rain or snow or circulated throughout the Earth by wind. This will in turn pose serious health problems for anyone coming into contact with them.

Physics SIA meeting 1

Venue: Computer lab 3
Time: 2.30pm- 6.00pm(after school)
Date: 18 January 2008
Attendance: Joan, Jiali and Marie

Agenda:
Selection of research topic
Proposal Writing
Online Journal

1. SELECTION OF RESEARCH TOPIC

1.1 BRAINSTORMING
As we have to decide on an area of research related to a physics principle behind an environmental issue covered in the textbook, we briefly looked through our physics textbook to generate ideas. During our brainstorming session, ideas such as global warming, alternative sources of energy, NEWater treatment and so on were brought up by us.

1.2 FINAL DECISION
After much discussion on the basic physics principles behind each topic, we decided to select the topic “Radioactive waves’ effects on the Environment” as all of us had interest and passion on the negative effects of radioactive waves have on the environment, and other alternative ways to replace nuclear power. We hope to use physics principles and to further research into this topic to find out more about other alternative ways to replace nuclear power and compare the pros and cons of each method.

2. PROPOSAL WRITING

2.1 RATIONALE FOR RESEARCH TOPIC
As mentioned earlier, the main objective of this project is to find out other alternative ways to replace nuclear power, and to compare each method’s pros and cons. Alternative methods are being researched on such that the negative effects of nuclear power (radioactive waves) can be reduced to the lowest level.

2.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF RESEARCH TOPIC
As background information is required for our research topic, “Radioactive waves’ effects on the Environment”, we referred to our physics textbook and some websites for information. Each one of us summarized the information we have researched, and later consolidated all the information and research we have gathered.

2.3 PHYSICS PRINCIPLE BEHIND RESEARCH TOPIC
As we are supposed to find out and briefly describe the physics principle behind out research topic, we also referred to our physics textbook and some websites for information. We consolidated all the information we have researched on and also cross referenced to other websites to ensure that the information was reliable.

2.4 SOURCES OF REFERENCES OF MATERIALS
After some discussion, we decided that the internet is the most available resource for our research. However, we also feel that reference books are important for our research too, as we feel that they are more reliable. Newspapers articles and online journals should be included too, as they are updated and tell us the changes in the world and environment related to our research topic, nuclear energy.

3. Online journal

3.1 Creation of Online Journal

We decided that Joan will first create the online journal using blogger.com, and later we can further edit the layout of the blog, and start posting about our research topic. Our online journal should include minutes of meetings, articles and information related to our research topic and also annotations of articles where possible.

3.2 Delegation of jobs for online journal

After some discussion, we decided that each one of us will take turns to post the minutes of each meeting on the online journal. Furthermore, we have to annotate articles or post information that we find related to our research topic and post it on the blog.