Monday, July 17, 2017

Nuclear Energy for a Greener Indonesia

The following is my highschool Physics' final essay.

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The constant development in the world means that there is an ever-increasing demand of energy. Though so, other implications, such as pollution and global warming, is still a major concern. Moreover, while even Indonesia as a developing nation will need an excess of 450 billion kWh of electricity in ten years’ time, fossil fuels will also be nearly exhausted by then. Clearly, there is an urgent need for alternative energy, but one question has always been there: what?
There are many sources of green energy commonly used, ranging from hydroelectric power, solar, wind, and geothermal, which are already commonly found or is gaining use in Indonesia. Most of them still carry their disadvantages, though, which leads us to nuclear energy, which does not have such drawbacks.
Unfortunately, nuclear power is not as strongly advocated, and even overlooked in Indonesia. It is actually a very capable source of green energy, and must not be left out for its tremendous potential and feasibility. However, as a nation, we must also make a tremendous effort in preparation for it, committing ourselves to a nuclear future. To do so, we must all understand all aspects of nuclear power for electricity.

Understanding Nuclear-Powered Electricity
First and foremost, how nuclear energy is harnessed must be understood. Splitting up a radioactive atom’s nucleus, called nuclear fission (as opposed to nuclear fusion, where heavier atoms are formed), releases a large amount of energy from relative mass lost in the process. This energy is in the form of heat, which is used directly to heat water in an adjacent system into steam, which is then used to drive turbines, much like other kinds of power plants.
Compared to other power plants, this process does not produce carbon waste and greenhouse gases in any notable manner. According to Eko Adi Parmanto and Dimas Irawan from the Indonesian Nuclear Power Agency (BATAN, Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional), in their book Understanding Nuclear Power Plants (Mengenal PLTN), this cleanness is shown by France, which already uses nuclear power for three-quarters of its national grid, that managed to decrease over three-quarters of pollution since the 1980s. This is indeed a much better alternative than fossil fueled plants, which account for more around 10 million tons per year of pollution in the form of gases, soot, and runoff (27-29).
In their article, “Let’s Run the Numbers”, Mike Conley and Tim Maloney states that nuclear power plants on average produce from around 0.5 to 2 GW of electricity, comparable to large-scale plants such as fossil-fueled or hydroelectric plants. The major step-up is that unlike fossil-fueled plants, nuclear plants could generate immensely more power from a small amount of fuel, where only several tons of uranium is used yearly as opposed to millions of tons of coal.
A nuclear power plant is also independent of external factors which fluctuates its output, like sunlight and wind, which also require expansive flatlands. Robert Kennedy puts it, as taken from Conley and Maloney’s article, these will require fossil-fuel powered generators to regulate and smooth the fluctuations. Not only nuclear power will produce a consistent output, it does not require a large area, and is also less dependent on location compared to hydroelectric and geothermal plants.

Radiation, Disasters, and Safety
All of its obvious advantages aside, there is one main problem that needs to be addressed. When people think of nuclear energy, people think of disasters and bombs. Nuclear plants are most infamous for producing disasters, such as in 1986 at Chernobyl, and most recently where the Fukushima reactor experienced a leak during the 2011 tsunami in Japan. It is widely known that Indonesia is prone for disaster, but these kinds of nuclear disasters are just one in a million, which conclusively happened due to false management after investigation by their respective governments (Parmanto and Irawan 31). There is no doubt that nuclear plants is useful in crowded, power-hungry spaces like in Japan. In contrast, Indonesia even still has unused land like in Kalimantan, which is also free from natural disasters as an addition.
One more source of concern in nuclear plants is radiation. While clean of greenhouse gases, this method of nuclear fission does produce radiation and radioactive waste as its waste. During nuclear reactions, particles such as alpha particles which are equivalent to the nucleus of helium and free electrons called beta particles, or even high-energy gamma rays might be released. However, what people get wrong is that the nuclear plants themselves do not emit radiation to the outside environment. In the standard specifications of a nuclear plant, layers of lead and steel are used, then covered in reinforced concrete (Parmanto and Irawan 15). Gamma rays could only penetrate through several centimeters of lead, while the other particles are much weaker.
The workers inside are also quite safe. A maximum of 5000 mRem of radiation per year per person is recommended by the United Nations, while workers only experience around 500 mRem (Parmanto and Irawan 16), well within safety limits if regulated properly. Another insurance is in the form of regulated regular checkups, and long leaves are mandated if a worker is exposed to too much radiation. The five deaths to power plant workers in the United States are only caused by construction accidents. This is certainly a safer option compared to over half a million deaths annually from pollution-related illnesses in China (Conley and Maloney).
Nevertheless, a method of disposing radioactive waste must be ensured. Ronald Reagan once said, “All the waste in a year from a nuclear power plant could be stored under a desk,” which is true as a nuclear plant only has around 30 tons of waste a year, but disposing it carelessly is certainly unsafe. The most important consideration is where to put the waste and certainly the government is still researching. However, Indonesian researchers already are aware of the proper procedures of safely filtering encasing depleted nuclear fuel, and deposit facilities are also under planning (Parmanto and Irawan 26-27).

Feasibility in Indonesia
The final piece to ensure is the feasibility of nuclear energy in Indonesia. Simply put, Indonesia has the capability for self-sufficiency and support. A World Nuclear Association (WNA) report, “Nuclear Power in Indonesia”, reveals unused deposits in Kalimantan and near Bangka-Belitung amount to around 53 thousand tons, which will last a very long time, besides being a valuable export. When these reserves run out in a century to come, methods of synthesizing new fuel would already have been common.
Nevertheless, research is ongoing, mostly by the BNN. They report that nuclear plants are already proposed in North Sulawesi and in Central Java, with a small test reactor planned in Serpong, both made with assistance from Russian contractors (Parmanto and Irawan 34; WNA). Critics point out that nuclear energy is certainly is not cheap to research in light of the recent economical crisis. However, once running, it is much more cost-effective than other alternative energy. Upon large-scale use in the national grid, nuclear energy would be much cheaper, as much as one-tenth the cost of new green energies such as solar and wind power (Conley and Maloney).
Another raging debate is about the that nuclear weapons is the humane side of the deadly possibilities of nuclear energy. Nuclear weapons have already been used against humans, and it is of utmost importance that nuclear energy is never used for mass destruction ever again. However, as long as the government keeps check in its projects, this problem could be avoided altogether. There is very little an upstart in nuclear energy such as Indonesia may do in the world stage, after all, as Indonesia has signed the international agreement of non-proliferation in 1980 and further in 1999 (WNA).
Though the national seventy-two percent acceptance for nuclear energy, there are still demonstrations opposing nuclear power (Parmanto and Irawan 37; WNA). BNN already have underwent measures and is already socializing in locations nearest to the proposed plants. However, this may not be enough, and socializing needs to reach high school students, who may understand the full power and impact of such an energy source.

Nuclear power has a very large prospect in Indonesia. It is as powerful as other green energy and is also more cost-effective, without producing any carbon waste. People’s fears are simply paranoia; properly managed nuclear plants are as safe, or even safer, than other types of power plants. Indonesia could make this project feasible, but it is still the government’s responsibility to keep looking for safe disposals, check on the socialization, and stay peaceful.
We are still far away from a nuclear utopia. However, considering the alternatives, perhaps it is wise to risk this venture, as writer Martin Cruz Smith said, “. . . because normal human activity is worse than the greatest nuclear accident in history.” Power from nuclear fission must be embraced, not shunned, at least until nuclear fission is achieved.


REFERENCES
Conley, Mike and Tim Maloney. Let's Run the Numbers: Nuclear Energy vs. Wind and Solar. 17 April 2015. http://energyrealityproject.com/lets-run-the-numbers-nuclear-energy-vs-wind-and-solar/. 16 January 2017.
Parmanto, Eko Adi and Dimas Irawan. Mengenal PLTN dan Prospeknya di Indonesia. Jakarta: Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional, 2007.
World Nuclear Asociation. Nuclear Power in Indonesia. August 2016. http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-g-n/indonesia.aspx. 15 January 2017.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Grad.

After another long time not posting, I should put something here.

The following is a repost from my Instagram and Deviantart journal when I graduated. To be fair, that event was done a month ago now.
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My friends, comrades of the great Union of--wait no that's not right.

Okay. 
Hear ye, hear ye, and brace for an essay:

So, this six-year old trip, perhaps twice as long or more for others, or perhaps half as much for some, is at an end. Must I say, "Finally!" like this was some tiring, arduous, unpleasant journey that we wanted to end long ago?

Surely not. It can't be. This journey isn't even finished. Big surprise, I know. Hint: this journey is called 'life'. Some want high school days to never end from fear of the terrible outside world. Maybe some only carry the painfully nailed memories--to which I exclaim, why the f*** are you still dwelling on such trivial nitty-gritty? Still, like it or not, and whether this following opinion is cliched or otherwise: whatever happened these past years, I am absolutely certain they have made us to become the best possible version of ourselves.

So, I must thank you deeply. You have made me welcome in this school, and I have ran out of words to describe my days in Laurensia. All I could think of remotely close to what I'm currently writing is that that one quote from Sherlock (you know, that "I don't have "friends"" thing) may describe me less. Much less.

Alas, one leg of this journey is finished, and now due to the laws of diffusion we shall spread throughout the world to pursue our dreams.

Not diffusion? Oh come on, I'm very sure it is.

Our dear teachers and parents have said it all today, so I'll just add one tidbit from one Mr. Kennedy (Which I'm sure you recall from those Cold War vids), who once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." I'll conveniently answer that question by reminding you of the fifth point of our Alumni's Promise. Wherever you go, remember where we were raised together for six years--some twice as that, some half as that--and hurry up, carry that bounty of knowledge from all over the world like bards and travelers of old used to, and hurry up and fix this country of ours. Maybe start from that damned-to-hell English UN, but I'll not complain.

Never hesitate, never look back just to regret, and do not throw away your shot.

Saturday, February 4, 2017

SPIRITED, Scene II

And here we go, the second scene! Not much to say, just a shortened version of her meet-up with Kamaji and Rin.

P.S. sorry for the spacing. Still not used to Blogger tabbing.

Scene 2 – Under the Bathhouse
[Kamaji the old man is working in front of a boiler, his back to the audience. Chihiro walks in nervously.]
Chihiro         : [nervous] Um… Excuse me? [Louder] Sir? I’m looking for work. [long pause] Excuse me, Mister? I’m looking for work…
Kamaji        : [mumbles] Three pinches. What? Out already? Geez… Blast this rain, people are having cramps.
Chihiro            : Um… Kamaji?            Could I have a job here? Please?
Kamaji             : No, no, no, watch out, watch out! I’m still workin’ me back off here…
[A loud steam whistle sounds. Rin, a young woman, enters with a bowl of fish.]
Rin                   : Alright, you old geezer, food’s here.
Kamaji            : About time ye showed up, Rin. How many times I’ve told ye not to call your old man that? [picks up fish]
Rin                   : [glances around at dirty drawers] You seriously need to clean up. See: spider webs and dragon spit. Why is there dragon spit here? And a human.
Chihiro            : Uh… hi? I’m looking for work here.
Rin                   : [recoils and screams] Kamaji—why, why is there a human here?
Kamaji             : A human. A human? Seems I heard a lass screamin’… oh! A human.
Rin                   : [Tries to shoo away] Get out here! Geez, if the Witch finds out…
Chihiro            : Haku says I should get a job here. Could I? Please?
Kamaji             : Did he, now? Interestin’, interestin’.
Rin                   : It’s always him. It must be him. Didn’t he appear right here not that long ago?
Chihiro            : Wait, Haku wasn’t always here?
Kamaji            : [mumbles] Yes... yes… righ’. Perhaps I could smuggle ye in. If it’s Young Master that wants it, eh.
Rin                   : You can’t be serious—not the second time.
Kamaji            : Look, Rin, I would rather not disagree with Young Master, not now. Get her whatever work ye can. Lass, ye could follow me daughter.
Rin                   : Seems it’s better when there’s only the Witch around. We’d just get in trouble again! We don’t have use for a useless brat! That Haku—
Chihiro            : [confused, small voice] Haku? Trouble?
Kamaji            :  Come on, not even for a roasted newt found in the boiler? [holds up a charred lizard]
Rin                   : [thinks, then submits.] Fine. But you still owe me. Geezer. Come on, girl.
[Rin exits, Kamaji goes back to work. Chihiro is still nervous.]
Rin                   : Are you coming, or what?
Chihiro            : O…okay!

[Blackout, exeunt.]

Thursday, February 2, 2017

SPIRITED, Scene I

Let me present, SPIRITED. As my final project for my school's drama class, we have been tasked to create our own drama based on a theme we picked together: Disney. Now, I did not really know a real good Disney movie to my liking, but I recently finished Spirited away, so...

Hey, technically it was a Disney Production. In the US. Anyway people don't care in class.

Here we go with the first scene. Notes in the end for sake of spoiler freedom.


SPIRITED
An adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away
by Nathan Hartanto

Scene 1 – Abandoned Amusement Park, near sunset
[Chihiro the young girl wakes up on a dry riverbed.]
Chihiro          : Ugh, my head… Mom? Dad? [Stumbles to her feet. After hesitating for a while, she crosses the riverbed to the amusement park.] Mom…? Dad…? Where am I? [Starts panicking as she moves through empty stalls. Finally, collapses in front of a large building, the Bathhouse, where she stops.] A… Bathhouse?
[Enter Haku the young boy.]
Haku              : [approaches, eyes widening] What are you doing here? [approaches closer] You must return!
Chihiro            : I’m lost, please, Sir, you must—
Haku                : There’s no time—look! They’re opening, they will be here soon!
[Sounds of opening doors, soft murmurs of people]
Chihiro            : [increasingly confused] Who—who are they… what is this place?
Haku             : No time to explain. Cross the river before the sun sets. I’ll hold them off for a little while.
Chihiro            : Hold who… why? Please, I’m—
Haku                : Just go before it’s too late! Now!
[Haku rushes out to exit. Chihiro runs back, past several spirits in black robes, to find the river is already filling up.]
Chihiro            : [Screams] The water! No, no! No… This must be a dream. A dream. [Pinches and slaps her face] Just a dream… come on, wake up. Wake up! [slumps down, defeated, sobbing] Wake… up…
[Re-enter Haku, who suddenly grabs Chihiro’s shoulder, embracing her]
Haku             : Shh… It’s okay. It’s okay. We’ll try again tomorrow. But now, come, follow me, before the witch finds out! Come on!
[Chihiro, still sobbing, nods, and they run back near the front of the bathhouse.]
Haku                : Now, look at me. Chihiro.
Chihiro            : Yes, Sir?
Haku                : Do I really look that old? Call me Haku.
Chihiro            : Haku. Okay…
Haku                : Chihiro, listen. Go under this bathhouse and look for Kamaji. He’s a friend of mine. Go there and ask for work.
Chihiro            : Work?
Haku              : You must, so that the Witch can’t touch you. She doesn’t like people from the Outside.
[Chihiro nods. Rain starts softly.]
Haku                : Get it? If he doesn’t listen, ask and ask again. Now, you really should go. It’s raining. Quick, quick, before the Witch finds out!
[someone off-set calls for Master Haku and he turns around.]
Haku             : Yes! I’m here. Look, I’ve never met someone from the Outside before, and… [sighs] it would be a pleasure to work with you, even for a day.
Chihiro            : [grabs Haku’s shirt] Wait, before you go, how did you know my name?
Haku                : I… don’t know, actually.
Chihiro            : Oh well. But I’ve never met anyone here… could you be my friend here? I have no one else I could trust.
Haku               : [looks as if thinking hard] I… I will. But really, you must go. Be brave. You could do it.
[Chihiro runs off, calmer and even smiling. Blackout, Haku exits.]

___
So, there you go. I thought to remove Chihiro's parents from the story as I only got to write a 30-40 minute show, and I just thought I would better develop other parts of the story. Does feel rushed, though.

By the way, I have no use for this script--no one would perform it, in the end, as it would only be made as a compilation book. So, if anyone wants to use this for their school drama, or any drama with consent from Ghibli, go ahead.

Spirited Away © Hayao Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Good Job, America.

RIP USA 1776-2017.

No, don't start the flame war just yet. I know you have picked an unpopular president. I know some of you think he might tip the status quo of the entire world. Hear the words of your new Commander in Chief. Each and every word just screams America First and to hell with the rest of the world

But the entire world is changing. 

I seem to have heard the same tone from every new world leader, most notably mine, in Indonesia. We aim to rank higher in the world ladder, and if the cost is a tip in the balance of power, a change in the status quo, than it is fine. Anything for great Indonesia, and President Jokowi is ready to make a change.

And it is the same everywhere. Near us, there is the controversial Philippine President Duterte. Half a world over, we have Britain leaving the EU. Also, new conservative leaders consolidating power in the EU itself. Meanwhile, south of the US, more right-leaning leaders are also ready to take the spotlight.

It seems the trend is clear: more nations are becoming more individualistic. Someday, those convoluted systems of allies and pacts and blocs since the world wars must break loose. So, perhaps this change is not entirely and inherently bad. If Trump wants to make America great again at the cost of other nations, that is completely fine--just look at what we are also doing here!

My point being, I do hope, from all of this chaos and change, the entire world--and yes, including the USA--will rise up from the ashes. 

Or perhaps I am being too optimistic. RIP The Entire World ???-2017.

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Please keep in mind I am not a political analyst. I am merely giving my two cents on a subject I deem interesting and important enough to talk about, plus an added bonus of practicing for my English test. Perhaps this turned out to be an incoherent rant. I seriously do not know. Thank you anyway.