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RI-Russia Partnership In Health And Food Technology

Nuclear technology has been part of Indonesia's landscape for 70 years, starting in 1954 when President Sukarno set up a committee to explore the impacts of radioactivity and the use of nuclear energy. This effort eventually led to the establishment of the National Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN) in 1964, which was responsible for building the first research nuclear reactor in the Asia-Pacific region.

Today, Indonesia operates three research reactors that fulfill a variety of functions, such as nuclear fuel research, neutron radiography, neutron activation analysis, neutron beam studies, nuclear education, and the production of radioisotopes. The first reactor, the Bandung Reactor, was launched in 1965 in West Java with a capacity of 2 MWth. Following that, the Kartini Reactor in Yogyakarta started its operations in 1979, boasting a capacity of 100 KWth. In 1987, the G. A. Siwabessy Reactor in Serpong, South Tangerang, began functioning with a capacity of 30 MWth.

Indonesia has considerable potential for both energy and non-energy uses of nuclear power. A 2020 study by BATAN revealed that the country holds nuclear raw materials, including 81,090 tons of uranium and 140,411 tons of thorium. Currently, the emphasis of nuclear development in Indonesia is mainly on producing radioisotopes, conducting food research, and health-related applications. Additionally, the development of nuclear power plants is part of the revisions to Government Regulation No. 79 of 2014 regarding National Energy Policy, with the draft regulation anticipated to be finalized this year.

Since the formation of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the organization has been dedicated to enhancing nuclear research and development. A key part of this effort is its partnership with the Russian nuclear agency, Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, aimed at improving the technology for creating radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. This collaboration was showcased during the second meeting of the Joint Working Group on the Application of Non-Energy Nuclear Technology, which took place at the BJ Habibie Science and Technology Park in South Tangerang, Banten, on October 9, 2024.

Tita Puspitasari, the Head of the Center for Radioisotope Technology Research, Radiopharmaceuticals, and Biodosimetry (PRTRRB) at BRIN, expressed optimism that the partnership with Rosatom would speed up advancements in radioisotope production technology, a critical area of focus for the agency, whether it involves reactors or accelerators, as reported on the BRIN website on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Rohadi Awaludin, a Senior Researcher at PRTRRB BRIN, mentioned that the agency is currently prioritizing the use of nuclear technology for non-energy applications. This encompasses areas such as health, agriculture, and food. "BRIN has a significant initiative aimed at utilizing nuclear technology in the health sector, particularly for the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, with a strong focus on cancer diagnosis and treatment," Rohadi remarked.

Indonesia has emerged as a leader in the application of nuclear technology, especially in creating advanced rice varieties. Since 2013, the Food Crop Breeding Research Group (PAIR) has partnered with the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to introduce 23 new rice varieties. This effort has received global acclaim, with Indonesia winning two FAO/IAEA Outstanding Achievement Awards in 2014 and 2021.

In addition, the collaboration between BRIN and Rosatom seeks to investigate practical uses of nuclear technology in non-energy sectors, including health and agriculture. Rosatom is a prominent global player in nuclear technology, with over 70 years of experience in peaceful nuclear applications.

Anna Belokoneva, the Head of Rosatom Indonesia Regional Office, discussed the nuclear technologies available in Russia, particularly in agriculture and healthcare. She outlined various topics for potential in-depth collaboration.

This partnership builds on the agreement signed on December 1, 2006, between Indonesia and Russia for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. BRIN and Rosatom, along with two leading Russian universities, are hosting the Nuclear Young Talent Fest 2024 in Indonesia to nurture local talent in nuclear science and technology.

The event is set to occur from October 14 to 16, 2024, at the A. Baiquni Science and Education Area (KSE) in Yogyakarta, and on October 17, 2024, at the BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area (KST) in Serpong, South Tangerang, Banten, under the theme “Promotion and Development of Nuclear Higher Education Programs.”

Tag: BATAN Food Technology National Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Technology