Indonesia Moves Forward with Nuclear Power Plans to Bolster Energy Security and Sustainability

PT PLN (Persero), in coordination with the Indonesian government, reaffirmed its commitment to introducing nuclear power plants (PLTN) as part of the country’s strategy to provide reliable, clean, and affordable energy. The announcement came during the Nusantara Energy Forum in Jakarta.

Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Jisman P. Hutajulu, said nuclear energy is positioned as a “balancing source” in the latest National Energy Policy (KEN) approved by the House of Representatives. He noted that nuclear power will play an increasingly important role as regulations mature, technology advances, and public acceptance grows.

“In the KEN, nuclear energy is recognized as an energy balancer,” Jisman stated, adding that both the National Electricity General Plan (RUKN) and PLN’s 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) explicitly include nuclear projects. Under PLN’s RUPTL, two nuclear plants with a combined capacity of 2×250 MW are planned.

Jisman stressed, however, that construction should proceed cautiously. “Regulations must be carefully prepared, the Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) must be established, and state-owned enterprises must remain involved to ensure control stays with the state,” he said.

From PLN’s side, Evy Haryadi, Director of Technology, Engineering, and Sustainability, described nuclear energy as the “most ideal solution” to address the country’s energy trilemma — reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

“Nuclear plants produce stable power comparable to coal-fired plants, at lower costs, and without emissions,” Evy explained. She added that PLN had studied nuclear implementation in several countries and is actively engaging ministries, universities, and technology providers to advance collaboration.

The forum also highlighted the potential for nuclear energy to support Indonesia’s long-term energy independence. Syaiful Bakhri, Head of the Nuclear Energy Research Organization at BRIN, emphasized that nuclear waste management is far more feasible than commonly perceived.

“Managing nuclear waste is easier than handling Bantar Gebang. A nuclear plant operating for 40 years only requires waste storage the size of a single room,” Syaiful said. He added that spent fuel is not entirely waste, as 95% can be recycled and reused in other reactors, while the remaining 5% can support hospitals, industry, and food irradiation.

“This creates a real opportunity for Indonesia to become energy independent and self-sufficient,” he concluded.