Jakarta, IDM – A Twitter handle @brin_watch on Friday (3/2) posted a letter that has since become viral that the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is deactivating Indonesia’s first nuclear research reactor TRIGA-2000 in Bandung.
The proposal was submitted by BRIN acting deputy for research and innovation infrastructure Yan Rianto to BRIN head Laksana Tri Handoko last month, Wednesday (18/1).
“We hereby submit a proposal to discontinue the operation of TRIGA-2000 reactor in Bandung while continuing to carry out maintenance in compliance with Bapeten [the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency] regulations,” the letter reads.
The letter also states that BRIN would reorganize nuclear facilities in Bandung and optimize the utilization of a reactor at BJ Habibie Science and Technology Park in Serpong, South Tangerang.
According to BRIN website, TRIGA-2000 with 2,000kW power is under the authority of BRIN’s Directorate for Development of Nuclear Facilities (DPFK). It was inaugurated by former President Megawati Soekarnoputri on June 24, 2000.
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In mid-October 2022, Abdul Rohim Iso Suwarso, the acting coordinator of TRIGA-2000, said it was still used for radioisotope production and irradiation for research and educational purposes.
“Based on Bapeten head decree on the extension of TRIGA-2000 reactor operation permit on May 29 2017, the reactor can operate with 1000kW power until July 2027,” said Iso. (at)
