Draft Presidential Regulation on Radioactive Waste Management to Be Enacted Soon

The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (“BAPETEN”) has confirmed that the Draft Presidential Regulation (“Draft Perpres”) on the National Policy and Strategy for the Management of Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel (“SNF”) has reached its final stage and is awaiting approval by the President. The Acting Head of BAPETEN, Zainal Arifin, stated that the harmonization process of the Draft Perpres on SNF has been completed.

The formulation of the Draft Perpres is intended to address challenges in the management of radioactive waste and SNF, while also strengthening mitigation measures related to the utilization of radioactive materials. The regulation will serve as a guideline for ministries and agencies in governing the management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel across various sectors, including healthcare, industry, and nuclear installations.

In addition, the Draft Perpres on SNF will strengthen supervision over the movement of radioactive materials entering through ports by increasing the deployment of Radiation Portal Monitors (“RPM”). The programs under the proposed regulation are designed to be implemented in phases, with targets for radioactive waste management extending through 2045.