Preventing and countering insider threats and radicalism in an Indonesian research reactor: Development of a human reliability program (HRP)

Abstract

Nuclear technology has been present in Indonesia for more than 60 years, with the main facilities being three research reactors managed safely and securely. Considering the rapid changes in Indonesia's socio-political and economic situation, it is imperative to anticipate potential insider threats due to these influences. Thus, the National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia developed the first human reliability program (HRP) in Indonesia, perhaps the first HRP in Southeast Asia. The development of this HRP was based on qualitative and quantitative analysis. The HRP candidates were determined based on their level of risk and ability to access nuclear facilities, and 20 people who worked directly in a research reactor were selected as HRP candidates. The candidates' background data and interviews were the basis for determining their assessment. The 20 HRP candidates were unlikely to be an internal threat. However, some of the candidates had significant records of job dissatisfaction. Counseling support could be one of the solutions for this issue. Two candidates disagreed with government policies, so they tended to sympathize with banned groups. Therefore, management should warn and nurture them to not become future insider threats. The results of this HRP provided an overview of the HR situation in a research reactor in Indonesia. Various aspects must be further developed, especially management's commitment to periodically or when necessary, increase the knowledge of the HRP team and, if necessary, invite outside experts.