The development of nuclear power in Southeast Asia faces hurdles to collectively ensure nuclear security, safety and safeguards (3S). However regional cooperation remains key to achieving it. Can ASEAN live up to expectations?

Vietnam, Malaysis and Indonesia plan to diversify their energy mix, reduce over-dependence on fossil fuel, and gradually integrate nuclear power into their long-term energy plans. Earlier this year, Vietnam announced a delay of its first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) until 2020. Its government wanted to take a calibrated step-by-step approach while developing the necessary infrastructure, including training future NPP operating engineers and strengthening relevant laws and regulations.

Indonesia’s NPP programme has stalled because of strong public opposition. President Joko Widodo will make or break the decision for Indonesia to go nuclear, and as public acceptance is a key factor, he is unlikely to make an unpopular decision. Nevertheless, to demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to nuclear security and safety, the country’s nuclear regulatory body BAPETEN established the Indonesian Centre of Excellence on Nuclear Security and Emergency Preparedness (I-CoNSEP) in August 2014 to coordinate relevant government agencies.

…Mely Caballero-Anthony is Associate Professor and Head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University. Alistair D.B. Cook, Julius Cesar I. Trajano and Margareth Sembiring are, respectively, Research Fellow, Senior Analyst and Research Analyst with NTS Studies Centre. This commentary is part of the NTS Report No. 1 entitled “The Sustainability of Nuclear Energy in Southeast Asia: Opportunities and Challenges,” available at http://www.rsis.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NTS-Report-October-2014.pdf.