Year
2016
Abstract
Indonesia has one of the largest population in the world, reaching more than 252 million people at the end of 2014. In the foreseeable future, energy demand will continue to increase with the increase of the population and economy size. In order for the energy production in Indonesia to keep up with the growing demand in the sector, multiple alternative energy sources have been considered discounting the use of the traditional fossil fuel. Nuclear power is one of the most promising options for achieving high energy output among the selected alternative methods. Nuclear power plants can create great impacts on people’s lives especially for the communities that live close by. But, lack of awareness and understanding of basic nuclear science concepts, especially concerning radiation and radiation protection will likely to cause irrational fear about nuclear technology, improper handling of radioactive materials and inadequate personal protection against high dose of radiation. In order to further the idea of peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy, a certain degree of literacy and basic knowledge attainment about nuclear sciences, radiation effect and self-radiation protection is crucial. Thus, a joint project between students in University of Washington and Universitas Gadjah Mada has been carried out to study and assess the current nuclear education in Indonesia. In the beginning, a survey is produced and distributed across student body within the education system as well as to people with varying educational background, age and profession in the Indonesian population living near the Nuclear Power Plants. Then, comparisons of the responses collected are made extensively across different criteria, and conclusions are drawn based on the comprehensive analysis of the data obtained. Result of this study is discussed along with the analysis on the current Indonesian education for high school especially in order to bring more information about nuclear science and radiation protection. Data obtained from the study can be used to reveal the perception of society about nuclear science and radiation protection in order to provide possible improvements for the current nuclear education, thereby improving people's awareness about nuclear power and radiation protection.