Jakarta. Close neighbors Indonesia and Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on nuclear safety.

Spearheading the deal were Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Indonesian nuclear energy regulatory agency Bapeten.  

A joint press statement wrote that the deal will encompass cooperation on “nuclear regulatory policy, regulation of radiation and nuclear applications, radiological and nuclear emergency preparedness”. It is also expected to bolster ASEAN-level cooperation in these fields.

“This collaboration builds on our longstanding bilateral partnership to strengthen cooperation in nuclear safety, regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness, as Singapore studies the potential role of nuclear energy in its future energy mix,” NEA chief executive officer Benjamin Koh said.

Bapeten acting chair Zainal Arifin framed this partnership as a “long-term strategic” one that will contribute to regional safety and security architecture.

“We believe that this partnership has significant potential to be elevated into a more strategic and impactful collaboration, particularly in strengthening regulatory capacity, enhancing safety and security oversight, and addressing emerging challenges in nuclear and radiation applications,” Zainal said.