Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN) has established the Center for Security Culture and Assessment (CSCA) in Serpong, Banten Province, to improve and promote the culture of nuclear security in Indonesia.

"Maintaining security and safety (conditions) around nuclear reactors is not easy. The CSCA is expected to enable Indonesia to improve the discipline surrounding its nuclear culture," Head of BATAN, Djarot S Wisnubroto, said on Monday.

The CSCA will safeguard three nuclear reactors that are used by BATAN for research, Wisnubroto told journalists after launching the center in Serpong on Monday.

"Safety and security are two things that cannot be separated," he stated, adding that the center was expected to inspire other countries, as well.

BATANs expertise in enforcing nuclear security guidelines has been recognized by nuclear experts across the world, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he noted.

Moreover, CSCA Head Khairul observed that the international recognition they received had been their motivation to establish the center in the Southeast Asian region.

"Through the CSCA, BATAN will also help the IAEA promote the culture of safety and security," he affirmed.

A nuclear expert from the University of Georgia, Igor Khripunov said that Indonesia could set a good example for countries to enforce nuclear safety and security guidelines.

"Indonesia has successfully conducted independent studies on nuclear energy, thanks to the dedicated people of BATAN," he remarked.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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