Jepara, NU Online
Dozens of ulema from Nahdlatul Ulama gathered here Saturday and Sunday came out with a strong verdict against the country's first nuclear plant, which is to be built nearby at Mt. Muria.
The scholars, mostly from Jepara and the neighboring areas, declared the power plant project to be "haram", or forbidden under Islam, as its potential dangers would very much outweigh its benefits.<>
"After considering all the arguments from the experts, both those in favor and those against, this forum has decided that the development of the Muria power plant is 'haram'," the scholars' spokesman, Kholilurohman, told a press briefing after the gathering.
The ulema, according to Kholilurohman, particularly doubted the ability of the future project operator to ensure the safety of the plant, especially the handling of radioactive waste.
"From our side, we basically question who's responsible for the safety of the people in the vicinity given the possible adverse consequences of the Muria nuclear plant," said Kholilurohman.
Despite a public outcry, the government is pressing ahead with its plan. Under the government's blueprint for the development of nuclear energy, the project will be put out to tender next year. Construction is then expected to begin in 2010 so that it will come onstream in 2016.
Local energy firm, PT Medco Energy International Group, has expressed an interest in the project, and has teamed up with South Korea-based power company KHNP to launch a bid.
Under the plan, the plant will have a capacity of 4,000 megawatts, representing about 2 percent of estimated total Indonesian power demand in 2016.
State Minister for Research and Technology Kusmayanto Kadiman was present to give the government's side of the story at the gathering Saturday, when around 1,000 people from Balong village, Kembang district, Jepara, were also present. The government has designated Balong village as the site of the nuclear plant.
The discussions between Kusmayanto and the villagers became heated after the villagers demanded that the minister sign a statement canceling the project. The minister refused and was then whisked away from the gathering by security officers. (tjp/dar)
Dozens of ulema from Nahdlatul Ulama gathered here Saturday and Sunday came out with a strong verdict against the country's first nuclear plant, which is to be built nearby at Mt. Muria.
The scholars, mostly from Jepara and the neighboring areas, declared the power plant project to be "haram", or forbidden under Islam, as its potential dangers would very much outweigh its benefits.<>
"After considering all the arguments from the experts, both those in favor and those against, this forum has decided that the development of the Muria power plant is 'haram'," the scholars' spokesman, Kholilurohman, told a press briefing after the gathering.
The ulema, according to Kholilurohman, particularly doubted the ability of the future project operator to ensure the safety of the plant, especially the handling of radioactive waste.
"From our side, we basically question who's responsible for the safety of the people in the vicinity given the possible adverse consequences of the Muria nuclear plant," said Kholilurohman.
Despite a public outcry, the government is pressing ahead with its plan. Under the government's blueprint for the development of nuclear energy, the project will be put out to tender next year. Construction is then expected to begin in 2010 so that it will come onstream in 2016.
Local energy firm, PT Medco Energy International Group, has expressed an interest in the project, and has teamed up with South Korea-based power company KHNP to launch a bid.
Under the plan, the plant will have a capacity of 4,000 megawatts, representing about 2 percent of estimated total Indonesian power demand in 2016.
State Minister for Research and Technology Kusmayanto Kadiman was present to give the government's side of the story at the gathering Saturday, when around 1,000 people from Balong village, Kembang district, Jepara, were also present. The government has designated Balong village as the site of the nuclear plant.
The discussions between Kusmayanto and the villagers became heated after the villagers demanded that the minister sign a statement canceling the project. The minister refused and was then whisked away from the gathering by security officers. (tjp/dar)
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