Go Nuclear! Indonesia’s Nuclear Power Plant Plan Moves Closer, ESDM Confirms Latest Progress
Key Takeaways
|
JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — The Indonesian government has declared its readiness to build nuclear power plants as part of the country’s energy transition. Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said two main locations have been identified to supply nuclear-generated electricity into the national grid.
According to Eniya, the designated areas are the Sumatra and Kalimantan grids. “In Kalimantan the potential is to supply smelters in downstream industries, while in Sumatra we also see the potential of areas bordering Singapore,” she said during a panel discussion at the Investortrust Green Energy Summit 2025 held at JW Marriott, Jakarta, on Tuesday, Sept 23, 2025.
On the regulatory side, the government is preparing the Nuclear Energy Program Implementation Organization (NEPIO) framework. Eniya said the requirements for nuclear development have already been incorporated into a draft presidential regulation, which has been submitted to President Prabowo Subianto. “It has been submitted to the President, now we are waiting for his feedback. That will mark the official step toward going nuclear,” she said.
The Waseda University graduate added that the draft regulation mandates working groups to oversee the preparation of nuclear development. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has been appointed as the lead coordinator. The groups will cover planning, finance, operations, security, and social aspects.
Analyze stocks quickly and easily with InvestingPro — enjoy an exclusive discount for Investortrust readers. Click here to access the offer.
“These working groups will discuss with many countries because technology clearance is required. The choice between large-scale reactors and small modular reactors is being weighed carefully. Once the technology is chosen, we will decide on international collaboration,” she explained.
She emphasized that both President Prabowo and Minister Bahlil have opened opportunities for cooperation with all countries. “We will assess which partners are most potential and feasible. It is the task of the working groups to select them,” she added.
Financial readiness has become one of the government’s main concerns. Eniya cited Bangladesh as an example, which developed nuclear power through a government-to-government model. Other schemes, such as government–private sector partnerships, are also under review.
“These concepts are still being discussed. Once we officially go nuclear, we will confirm the chosen financial structure,” she said.