People still express doubts about safety, but we actually live alongside nuclear technology every day.Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Energy Council (DEN) is advocating for the strategic adoption of nuclear power, labeling it a necessity to drive economic growth and ensure long-term sustainable development in Indonesia.Speaking at a panel discussion titled “American Leadership in Clean Nuclear Strategy” at @america in Jakarta on Tuesday (June 23), DEN member Sripeni Inten Cahyani urged the country to look toward global trends, noting that the international shift toward nuclear energy is rapidly accelerating.”If almost all countries are moving in that direction, there is no reason Indonesia should be left behind. We need high-capacity electricity to drive our economy and growth; that is truly the key word,” she emphasized.However, Cahyani noted that public awareness regarding new and renewable energy alternatives, particularly nuclear energy, remains arguably low in the country.According to data compiled by DEN, public support for the utilization of nuclear energy in Indonesia stands at only around 39 percent, a relatively low figure within the Southeast Asian context.To counter deep-rooted skepticism, Cahyani emphasized that public education is crucial to unlocking the industry's potential.She specifically called upon the younger generation to objectively monitor and assess the nation's future energy requirements.”This young generation can think clearly. They can see that this is an actual need and it is our future,” Cahyani added, urging young Indonesians to take a firm stance on the issue,” Cahyani noted.Addressing persistent safety concerns, Cahyani pointed out that modern nuclear technology operates under highly advanced safety protocols.She also reminded the public that nuclear technology is already integrated into daily life through medical practices.”People still express doubts about safety, but we actually live alongside nuclear technology every day. When we get an X-ray, that is direct exposure to electromagnetic wave radiation, just on a much smaller scale,” she explained.The government's push for nuclear capabilities is already transitioning from theory to early-stage planning.The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) announced it has identified 28 potential locations across the archipelago for Indonesia's first nuclear power plants.Of the 28 identified sites, three have completed the entire evaluation process. One vetted location is situated in Jepara, Central Java, while the other two are located in the Bangka Belitung Islands.