Strengthening Nuclear Safety, BRIN Researchers Attend IAEA-KINS Training in Korea

RRI.CO.ID, Daejeon - National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) researcher Khusnul Khotimah, from the Research Center for Nuclear Safety, Metrology, and Quality Technology (PRTKMMN), participated in the Basic Training Course on Nuclear Safety organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) from August 31–September 11, 2026, in Daejeon, South Korea. The training aimed to deepen participants' understanding of nuclear safety through a comprehensive and integrated approach.

In a statement received on Monday, September 14, 2026, Khusnul noted that the training highlighted how nuclear safety cannot be viewed in isolation but must be examined holistically, recognizing the interconnected nature of its various elements. "This training provides an understanding that nuclear safety needs to be viewed in an integrated manner, from site characteristics, design and safety assessment, to radiological consequences and community and environmental protection. Lessons learned from Korea serve as a reference that can be studied and adapted to Indonesia's needs," said Khusnul.

According to her, the knowledge acquired during the training will support BRIN's research development, particularly in areas such as site evaluation, safety analysis, atmospheric dispersion modeling, dose and radiological consequence assessment, and nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

She added that the training also provided an opportunity to observe the practical application of nuclear safety measures in South Korea firsthand. "Beyond enhancing technical knowledge, the training offered a chance to see nuclear safety practices in action in South Korea. This experience provided important lessons on how safety aspects, human resource readiness, support systems, and inter-agency coordination are established in an integrated manner," she explained.

Khusnul hopes that the insights gained can be shared with other researchers and the BRIN community, ensuring the knowledge extends beyond her own personal learning. According to her, knowledge exchange and network development with international organizations such as the IAEA and KINS can contribute to efforts to strengthen nuclear safety research capacity in Indonesia.

As a follow-up, BRIN will promote knowledge sharing through internal activities, the development of knowledge products, publications, and the strengthening of networks and collaborations with the IAEA, KINS, universities, regulators, and relevant technical institutions. The training, attended by participants from various countries, discussed several aspects of nuclear safety, starting from basic safety principles, reactor design and safety systems, site selection and evaluation, safety assessment, radiation protection, spent fuel and radioactive waste management, to nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

In addition to classroom instruction, participants gained practical experience through technical tours and the use of KINS’s APR-1400 nuclear power plant simulator. By simulating various accident scenarios, participants studied the responses of safety systems and operators to conditions such as Loss of Off-site Power (LOOP), Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA), and Station Blackout (SBO).