BAPETEN received a visit from the Speaker of the Bangka Tengah Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). The audience was attended by Ishak, Head of the Bureau of Legal Affairs, Cooperation, and Public Communication (BHKK); Wiryono, Director of Licensing for Nuclear Installations and Materials (DPIBN); Nur Syamsi Syam, Director of Regulation of Nuclear Installations and Materials (DP2IBN); Abdul Qohhar Teguh Eko Prasetyo, Manager of Public Communication Functions; as well as several related staff members. in his remarks, Head of BHKK Ishak conveyed that BAPETEN welcomes this coordination as part of managing the important issue of the planned Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) development on Kelasa Island, Bangka Tengah. “On this occasion, we have included the relevant working units, as I believe that accurate information regarding nuclear issues is essential. We hope this meeting fulfills its key purpose, which is to ensure that the DPRD delegation obtains comprehensive information regarding the planned NPP development in the Bangka Tengah region,” Ishak stated.

During the meeting, the Speaker of the Bangka Tengah Regency DPRD, Batianus, was present along with the First Deputy Speaker and members of Commission III of the Bangka Tengah DPRD. Batianus emphasized that public concerns related to the planned development of the NPP had been increasingly widespread. “The outcomes of this meeting will serve as essential information for the Bangka Tengah DPRD in conducting further discussions with the regional government,” he stated. He also expressed hopes that outreach and education—both regarding the potential benefits and risks—could be strengthened in Bangka Tengah Regency, particularly in Lubuk Besar District and Kelasa Island.

Furthermore, the Director of DPIBN, Wiryono, delivered a presentation on the licensing process for the construction and operation of an NPP. His presentation covered the nuclear regulatory framework, the licensing procedures for NPP development in Indonesia, as well as the stages of site evaluation, site evaluation approval, and the current status of the licensing process for NPP construction. “We ensure the fulfillment of operational safety aspects, security measures to prevent loss or theft of nuclear materials, and safeguards to prevent the use of nuclear materials and radioactive substances for non-peaceful purposes,” Wiryono explained.

The discussion continued with a dialogue session addressing public concerns regarding economic and ecological impacts, particularly short-term and long-term risks to local livelihoods, especially those of fishermen, environmental concerns related to marine ecosystems, and the need for strengthened public outreach. Responding to these issues, Director of DP2IBN, Nur Syamsi Syam, provided clarification on several points of concern and expressed appreciation to the Bangka Tengah Regency DPRD for conveying the community’s aspirations. “Community engagement is one of BAPETEN’s obligations as mandated by law. A year ago, outreach activities were conducted for village leaders and local communities, including fishermen. At every stage of the licensing process, we involve the public in decision-making. We must ensure that the livelihoods of fishermen are not disrupted by the development of the NPP. In the site approval process, given the stringent requirements, BAPETEN pays close attention to ecological impacts to ensure there are no direct effects on marine life,” Nur explained.