An International Atomic Energy Agency team of experts today concluded a 10-day mission to review Indonesia’s arrangements for nuclear and radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR). The Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) was carried out at the request of the Indonesian Government.
Toshimitsu Homma, Director of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Emergency Assistance and Training Center, led the five-person team, which also included experts from Australia, Pakistan, Slovenia and the IAEA.
“Indonesia demonstrates a significant commitment to nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response and we commend the openness and transparency of the authorities and their willingness to share and discuss EPR arrangements in great detail,” Homma said.
The EPREV team identified several strengths during the mission, including:
- The Indonesian authorities have a well developed regulatory framework for nuclear and radiological emergencies.
- Indonesia regularly conducts large scale field exercises, demonstrating the country’s commitment to EPR.
- The use of innovative approaches to coordinate integration of volunteers in an effective emergency response.
The review team also highlighted areas where further progress is needed, including:
- A nuclear and radiological emergency management system should be established at the national level and be integrated into a national all-hazards emergency management system.
- A comprehensive national hazard assessment should be performed to ensure that EPR arrangements are consistent with the magnitude of any hazard.
- Informal cooperation arrangements among national organizations involved in EPR should be formalized.
- The draft national nuclear emergency response plan should be finalized and implemented.
The Government of Indonesia is expected to adopt an action plan to address the mission’s recommendations and invite the IAEA for an EPREV Follow-Up Mission to review the progress.
About EPREV Missions
EPREV missions are one of the peer review services offered by the IAEA to strengthen nuclear safety in Member States. EPREV missions focus on the arrangements and capabilities to prepare for and respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies. EPREV missions provide an open and transparent review while fostering a professional exchange of ideas and best practices among review experts and their national colleagues. EPREV missions are based on the IAEA Safety Standards in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response.