infotech

RI-Russia Collaboration On Health And Food Technology

The utilization of nuclear technology in Indonesia commenced 70 years ago. In 1954, President Sukarno established a committee to investigate the effects of radioactivity and the application of nuclear energy. This initiative ultimately led to the formation of the National Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN) in 1964, tasked with constructing the first research nuclear reactor in the Asia-Pacific region.

Currently, Indonesia operates three research reactors that serve various purposes, including nuclear fuel research, neutron radiography, neutron activation analysis, neutron beam research, nuclear education, and radioisotope production. The first, the Bandung Reactor, was inaugurated in 1965 in West Java with a capacity of 2 MWth. The Kartini Reactor, located in Yogyakarta, began operations in 1979 with a capacity of 100 KWth. In 1987, the G. A. Siwabessy Reactor in Serpong, South Tangerang, commenced operations with a capacity of 30 MWth.

Indonesia possesses significant potential for both energy and non-energy applications of nuclear power. According to a 2020 study by BATAN, the country has nuclear raw materials, including 81,090 tons of uranium and 140,411 tons of thorium. However, the current focus of nuclear development in Indonesia is primarily on radioisotope production, food research, and health applications. The development of nuclear power plants has also been included in the revision of Government Regulation No. 79 of 2014 concerning National Energy Policy, with the draft regulation expected to be completed this year.

Since the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), this institution has concentrated on integrating nuclear research and development. One of its initiatives involves collaboration with the Russian nuclear agency, Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, to advance the technology for producing radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. This collaboration was highlighted during the second meeting of the Joint Working Group on the Application of Non-Energy Nuclear Technology, held at the BJ Habibie Science and Technology Park in South Tangerang, Banten, on October 9, 2024.

The Head of the Center for Radioisotope Technology Research, Radiopharmaceuticals, and Biodosimetry (PRTRRB) at BRIN, Tita Puspitasari, expressed hope that collaboration with Rosatom would accelerate the development of technology in radioisotope production, which is a significant concern for us, whether based on reactors or accelerators, as reported by the BRIN website on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Senior Researcher at PRTRRB BRIN, Rohadi Awaludin, stated that BRIN is currently focusing on the utilization of nuclear technology for non-energy purposes. This includes applications in health, agriculture, and food. "BRIN has a major program aimed at leveraging nuclear technology in the health sector, particularly for the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, specifically for diagnosis and therapy, with a particular emphasis on cancer diagnosis and treatment," Rohadi noted.

Indonesia has established itself as a pioneer in the use of nuclear technology, particularly in the development of superior rice varieties. Since 2013, Indonesia, represented by the Food Crop Breeding Research Group (PAIR), has collaborated with the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to develop 23 new rice varieties. This initiative has garnered international recognition, earning Indonesia two FAO/IAEA Outstanding Achievement Awards in 2014 and 2021.

Therefore, the collaboration between BRIN and Rosatom aims to explore concrete applications of nuclear technology for non-energy sectors such as health and food. Rosatom is a leading global developer of nuclear technology, boasting over 70 years of experience in peaceful nuclear development.

Meanwhile, the Head of Rosatom Indonesia Regional Office, Anna Belokoneva, elaborated on the nuclear technologies currently possessed by Russia, particularly in the fields of agriculture and medicine. She presented several topics that could be discussed for further and more detailed collaboration.

This cooperation is a continuation of the agreement between Indonesia and Russia regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy, which was signed by both countries on December 1, 2006. BRIN and Rosatom, along with two prominent universities in Russia, are organizing the Nuclear Young Talent Fest 2024 in Indonesia to cultivate domestic nuclear science and technology talent.

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

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Tag: BATAN Health And Food Technology Nuclear Technology