C Java gives conditional support to nuclear plant

9/12/2007

SEMARANG : The Central Java administration said Wednesday it had agreed with plans to build a nuclear power plant in the province.

However, the administration said a list of concerns would have to be addressed before construction of the plant could begin.

Central Java Deputy Governor Ali Mufiz said in a written statement that the location of the nuclear power plant would have to be chosen based on environment considerations.

His statement said such environmental considerations would include the possible effects of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters.

Ali also said the plant should recruit workers from among local people, improve infrastructure in surrounding villages such as roads, health centers and schools, and ensure stringent standards to prevent nuclear accidents.

Muria village in Jepara regency is the chief candidate to be the location of the planned nuclear power plant.

However, scholars from the Jepara chapter of the country's largest Muslim organization, Nadhlatul Ulama, have issued an edict prohibiting the construction of a nuclear power plant in the regency.