Indonesia has unveiled plans to construct its first-ever nuclear power plant by 2034, a milestone move aimed at diversifying the nation’s energy portfolio and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The ambitious project forms part of the country’s long-term strategy to meet growing energy demands while honouring its climate commitments, according to a report by the Jakarta Globe.
The project will be spearheaded by the Directorate General of New and Renewable Energy under Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that interest from international partners is already high, with companies from countries like Russia and Canada exploring opportunities to collaborate on this groundbreaking initiative.
Roadmap Set for Nuclear Development in Sumatra and Kalimantan
Speaking on Tuesday, June 24, Minister Bahlil confirmed that Indonesia has finalised a detailed roadmap, paving the way for the country’s inaugural nuclear facility to be operational by 2034 at the latest. Plans indicate that the first power plant will have a capacity ranging between 300 megawatts (MW) and 500 MW, with proposed development sites spanning Sumatra and Kalimantan—regions identified for their strategic significance in Indonesia’s national energy blueprint.
Negotiations for partnerships are ongoing, and Bahlil emphasised Indonesia’s openness to collaborate with any country, as long as the cooperation yields mutual benefits. “Any country is welcome, provided the partnership supports Indonesia’s interests and energy goals,” Bahlil noted, underlining the government’s pragmatic approach to international collaboration.
Nuclear Energy Key to Indonesia’s Net-Zero Goal
The nuclear project is a critical component of Indonesia’s Electricity Supply Work Plan (RUPTL) 2025-2034, which aims to increase national electricity generation capacity by 69.5 gigawatts (GW) over the next decade. As the world’s fourth most populous nation, Indonesia’s rapid industrialisation and rising energy consumption have put immense pressure on its energy sector, which has traditionally relied heavily on coal and other fossil fuels.
Introducing nuclear energy is expected to significantly aid Indonesia in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. By incorporating nuclear into its energy mix, the government seeks to accelerate the transition towards clean, low-carbon power generation in line with its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
This bold shift reflects a broader regional trend in Asia towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, positioning Indonesia as a potential leader in nuclear energy development among Southeast Asian nations.