Nuclear Energy Becomes New Focus of Indonesia-Russia Cooperation
Nuclear energy has once again become a key topic in strategic discussions between Indonesia and Russia. During the Russia-Indonesia Business Forum held in Jakarta on April 14, Head of the Nuclear Reactor Technology Research Center (PRTRN) at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Topan Setiadipura, presented a vision for Indonesia’s future energy development.
Topan highlighted President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious goal of achieving 8% economic growth, which demands a large and reliable energy supply. At the same time, he emphasized Indonesia’s strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, making clean and efficient energy sources essential.
In his presentation, Topan revealed that there are currently more than 400 nuclear power plants (NPPs) operating worldwide, with 61 others under construction. This reflects a growing global trend toward adopting nuclear energy as part of the clean energy transition.
He pointed out that developing countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Bangladesh have already begun using Russian nuclear technology to support their economic growth. He believes Indonesia can follow their lead by adopting a similar approach.
Indonesia is currently preparing to enter the nuclear energy era, with the government targeting the operation of its first nuclear power plant — with a capacity of 500 megawatts — between 2030 and 2034. Although this capacity is relatively small, Topan considers it an important first step toward energy independence.
Indonesia’s archipelagic geography, consisting of thousands of islands, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Topan explained that Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology is highly suitable for Indonesia due to its rapid deployment, flexibility, and potential to reach remote areas.
He further proposed the use of floating nuclear reactors, which Russia has already implemented in its remote regions. These mobile plants could be sent to small islands lacking access to reliable electricity, offering a practical solution tailored to Indonesia’s needs.
Topan stressed that nuclear technology not only offers flexibility and efficiency but also provides more stable energy compared to conventional sources. It is less susceptible to fuel price fluctuations, which benefits industrial sectors that depend on consistent energy supply.
Cooperating with Russia is considered a strategic move, as the country has decades of experience in building and operating NPPs both domestically and internationally. Russia is also actively offering nuclear partnerships to various nations, including those in Southeast Asia.
The Indonesian government has already begun engaging in dialogue with Russia on identifying suitable plant locations, developing human resources, and addressing regulatory and safety concerns related to nuclear energy.
Nonetheless, Topan acknowledged several challenges, including public perception, infrastructure readiness, and the need for long-term policy clarity. Public education and transparency throughout the process will be key to the success of Indonesia’s nuclear ambitions.
Topan emphasized that Indonesia must not lag behind in the global energy transition. “If we want sustainable growth while protecting the environment, we must consider all options — including nuclear energy,” he said during the forum.
The business forum also explored cooperation in other sectors such as defense, technology, and agriculture. However, energy remained the central focus due to its crucial role in supporting all areas of development.
Business leaders in attendance responded positively to the idea of nuclear energy development. With proper planning and international support, they believe Indonesia could become a significant player in the future of energy in the Asia-Pacific region.
As the world moves toward greener energy sources, Indonesia now stands at a critical crossroads. Investing in nuclear technology could be a turning point in shaping a sustainable and secure energy future.
The forum also highlighted how economic diplomacy can be used to build a shared energy future, going beyond trade to include the exchange of visions and technological know-how.
With a plan to launch its first NPP in the next decade, the Indonesian government must ensure that nuclear energy policy receives strong political, public, and technical backing.
If carried out seriously, nuclear energy could become a cornerstone of Indonesia’s high and sustainable economic growth — striking the long-sought balance between development and environmental protection.
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