Government Emphasises Nuclear Power as Strategic Option Towards Net Zero Emission
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — The Government has affirmed that nuclear power is a strategic option in its energy transition to achieve net zero emission by 2060, with the first nuclear power plant targeted to operate in 2032.
In remarks on Monday, 27 October 2025, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung stressed that nuclear power aligns with the national policy direction and President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of energy self-sufficiency and net-zero emission target. He said that nuclear energy “is no longer regarded as the last resort but forms an important part of national energy planning.”
Indonesia began exploring nuclear power as early as the 1960s, starting with three research reactors: the 2 MW Triga reactor in Bandung, the 100 kW Kartini reactor in Yogyakarta, and the 30 MW reactor in South Tangerang. The legal basis for development includes Law No. 10 of 1967 on nuclear energy, the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045, and Government Regulation No. 40 of 2025 on the National Energy Policy.
Under the regulation, the first commercial nuclear plant is to be operational by 2032 and the total planned capacity is 44 GW by 2060. Of that total, around 35 GW will serve general electricity consumption and about 9 GW will support national hydrogen production. The nuclear share in the national energy mix is projected to reach 5 % by 2030 and 11 % by 2060.
Yuliot acknowledged significant challenges. Investment for one nuclear unit is estimated at US$ 3.8 billion with a construction period of 4–5 years. Public concerns over natural-disaster risk also require comprehensive mitigation, strict oversight by the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), and international cooperation.
In addition to domestic planning, Indonesia is strengthening international partnerships. A US-Indonesia agreement launched in March 2023 supports feasibility work on small modular reactors (SMRs) under the US Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of SMR Technology programme.
This signals the government’s openness to cooperation with foreign vendors, including from the United States, to develop modern nuclear infrastructure in Indonesia.
The strategic inclusion of nuclear power reflects Indonesia’s recognition that meeting growing electricity demand and decarbonising its power sector will require more than renewables alone. While solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower remain critical, nuclear offers high-reliability baseload capacity with near-zero operational carbon emissions. Analysts note that Southeast Asia is increasingly looking to nuclear as part of its clean energy transition.
For policymakers and investors, the announcement underscores that Indonesia is moving from planning to preparation phase for nuclear deployment. Projects will likely attract heavy investment, long lead-times, and regulatory-licensing risk. For industry players, the window for participation in SMR development and regulatory frameworks is opening.