Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has unveiled a new nuclear-based sterilization facility to boost food security and strengthen export competitiveness.The High Energy Electron Accelerator (AEET), located at the G.A. Siwabessy Science and Technology Park in Jakarta, uses advanced electron beam (E-Beam) technology to sterilize products more efficiently than gamma or X-ray irradiation. “The electron beam technology offers several advantages compared to other irradiation methods. It is faster, more efficient, and easier to control for diverse sterilization needs,” Head of BRIN Arif Satria said in a press statement on Sunday. According to Satria, the AEET can sterilize up to 25 tons of products in just 1.5 hours, serving industries from food and health to cosmetics. The facility is expected to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, and support government programs such as improving export quality and ensuring nutritious food supplies. “Products that can be processed here include spices, cosmetic raw materials, health products, and food ingredients such as rice and ready-to-eat meals, which can have a shelf life of up to hundreds of days,” he explained. BRIN estimates that collaboration with industry could generate Rp247 billion (US$14 million) in revenue within five years, part of which will contribute to state income. “This collaboration demonstrates that research and technology can work hand in hand with industry to increase state revenue while strengthening the national innovation ecosystem,” Satria emphasized. He described the AEET as a milestone in linking research, technology, and industry to drive innovation-based economic growth. “This facility is a concrete example of synergy between research, technology, and national industry to generate tangible economic benefits for the nation,” he concluded.