Lampung – The National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) held an Introduction to Information Systems and Nuclear Science and Technology Scientific Journals at Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) on Wednesday (Mar 13), which was also attended by several study programs at ITERA, including Food Technology. On that occasion, BATAN introduced the role of nuclear energy in various fields, while also introducing its information systems and scientific journals.
BATAN’s Deputy Chairman for the Utilization of Nuclear Technology, Dr. Hendig Winarno, M.Sc., explained the importance of nuclear energy in various fields, one of which is the food sector. “One of the most widely used applications of nuclear technology is in agriculture and food. In the food sector, for example, we package rendang which is then irradiated, and the shelf life of that rendang can reach up to 2 years.”
Nuclear technology in food materials has tremendous benefits, especially for extending the shelf life of food products. Generally, gamma irradiation is used to preserve food products so they do not spoil quickly. Given Indonesia’s extraordinary potential of having the largest nuclear reactor in Southeast Asia, Dr. Hendrig added, the potential for its development will be even greater, especially for the welfare of the Indonesian people. (HAP)
