PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH FOR SUPPORTING NUCLEAR PROGRAM IN INDONESIA

Public acceptance is an important aspect in the utilization of nuclear energy. Therefore, efforts to increase public understanding and knowledge on nuclear is one of the important efforts to increase the level of public acceptance. Currently, the trend of rejection of nuclear energy program is seen maybe due to the lack of understanding of the people. To address these challenges, the Indonesian government through relevant institutions and ministries conducts public education and outreach programs to increase public understanding and knowledge on nuclear issues. Public education and outreach programs are designed as a combination of educational and training approaches. Public education and outreach to young generation through education and training are important due to the following outcomes: younger generations may have higher interest to higher levels of education in science and technology, engineering, and math, (STEM), including nuclear science; students may choose a nuclear related career; future generations may have a proper knowledge on nuclear, even their careers are not directly linked to nuclear industry; it can help people and make rational judgments and decisions in their lives.

Activities in the formal education path consists of the introduction of nuclear content in the formal education curriculum at the secondary educational level, and the provision of smart books as a reference for high school teachers. In addition, BATAN provides higher education scholarships in the field of nuclear technology, which significantly contributes the increased interest of students to study nuclear. Training are also held on introduction of nuclear science and technology for high school teachers, practical works for university students in radiochemistry and medical physics. Outreach through informal engagement in the formal education pathway is done through the fostering of young communities, Nuclear Goes to School, Science Day, Facility Visit to Nuclear Science Competition. Public opinion polls are conducted to quantitatively measure the effectiveness of public education and outreach programs on improving community understanding and acceptance. Polls show an increasing trend of public acceptance of nuclear energy programs.