The event opened with remarks from Wiryono, BAPETEN’s Director of Licensing of Nuclear Installation and Materials (DPIBN), who emphasized the activity's importance. "This workshop is a crucial step toward improving evaluator competence, particularly regarding site aspects. It also serves as a refresher following staff transfers and rotations, while fostering integrity and strengthening coordination within the work network to support NPP licensing evaluation tasks," he stated.

"Accelerating licensing services is a strategic necessity to support the construction and operation of NPPs, which are targeted for commercial operation by 2032 in accordance with the 2025–2034 RUPTL (Electricity Supply Business Plan) and the 2025–2045 RPJPN (National Long-Term Development Plan). However, throughout this process, safety, security, and the protection of workers, the public, and the environment remain the top priorities," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Zainal Arifin, BAPETEN’s Deputy Chairman for Licensing and Inspection, emphasized in his directives the importance of BAPETEN’s readiness to oversee NPP construction. This readiness encompasses regulatory, technological, safety, and environmental protection aspects. Rapid advancements in nuclear technology, particularly the concept of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), demand adaptive regulations and oversight. As nuclear energy is still categorized as a "new energy" source in Indonesia, robust public education and communication are essential. "It is expected that the construction of the nuclear power plant proceeds smoothly and safely, with the support of all parties," he said.

The workshop, attended by 35 evaluators, included the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the evaluator representatives who completed the site evaluation approval process for the Thorcon 500, namely Tino Sawaldi and Suci Prihastuti.

Additionally, a tree-planting activity was held alongside the Deputy Chairman for Licensing and Inspection as a symbolic contribution to carbon sequestration, moving toward net-zero emissions, and as a gesture of commitment to environmental conservation.

The workshop featured two speakers: Ana Oktavia Setyowati (Head of the Meteorology and Climatology Team at the Regional Center for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics - MKG Region II, South Tangerang) representing BMKG, and Akhmad Muktaf Haifani (Researcher) representing BRIN. The event proceeded with presentations and discussions on various critical topics, such as meteorological and hydrological fundamentals for site evaluation; meteorological characteristics; combined meteorological and hydrological hazard modeling and standard application; an introduction to seismicity training; an introduction to Seismic Hazard Assessment (SHA) and seismotectonic zoning; ground motion modeling; and calculations and results of seismic hazard analysis.

Through this workshop, participants are expected to gain stronger competencies in carrying out regulatory oversight duties, specifically regarding power reactor site evaluation to support the development of safe and sustainable nuclear energy in Indonesia. [BHKK/SP/Translator: GP]

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