Indonesia Pivots to Russia for Nuclear Energy and Oil Infrastructure as 70 GW Power Goal Looms

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Indonesia is deepening its strategic energy alliance with the Russian Federation, signaling a major shift in its pursuit of long-term fuel security and nuclear technology. During the 14th Indonesia-Russia Joint Commission Meeting on Friday, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Yuliot Tanjung confirmed that the two nations are moving forward on high-stakes projects ranging from crude oil procurement to the development of cutting-edge nuclear reactors.

For global energy markets, Jakarta’s strengthening ties with Moscow represent a calculated move to diversify its energy mix and hedge against global supply volatility. By integrating Russian technical expertise into its 70 GW power expansion plan, Southeast Asia’s largest economy is positioning itself as a future hub for nuclear energy in the region. This pivot also accelerates the stalled $13.5 billion GRR Tuban refinery project, which is critical for reducing Indonesia’s crippling dependence on imported fuel.

A New Nuclear Frontier

The cooperation prominently features the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for peaceful purposes. Yuliot emphasized that the energy partnership has already yielded investment commitments in renewable power and nuclear infrastructure. "Cooperation in the energy sector has produced various investment commitments in the upstream oil and gas sector, oil refineries, and renewable-based electricity, including plans for the development of small modular nuclear power plants," Yuliot stated on Friday.

Under the National Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) for 2025–2034, Indonesia has set an ambitious target of 70 GW in new capacity. Within this framework, 40 GW is earmarked for renewable energy, representing 62% of the total addition. Significantly, the government has locked in the construction of two nuclear units with a combined capacity of 500 MW.

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Refining National Security

The bilateral talks also focused on the "Agreed Minutes" of the commission, which prioritize the Grass Root Refinery (GRR) Tuban—a joint venture between Indonesia’s state-owned Pertamina and Russia’s Rosneft. Beyond refining, the talks covered the standardization of oil and gas industries and the downstreaming of minerals. Yuliot noted that these moves are essential for technology transfer and accelerating the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

The partnership extends deep into the supply chain, covering Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and metallurgy. By aligning with Russian state enterprises, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the government body overseeing Indonesia's vast natural resources, aims to stabilize domestic prices and ensure industrial continuity.

Strategic Energy Diplomacy

Yuliot highlighted that the collaboration is not merely about trade, but about reinforcing Indonesia's "Agreed Minutes" regarding mineral downstreaming and industrial standardization. "This is in line with national priorities in strengthening energy security, both for fuel and electricity," he explained during the Plenary Session. The two nations are also exploring joint ventures in upstream oil and gas fields to bolster Indonesia's declining lifting rates.