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The development of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Indonesia, which is planned to be on-grid in 2032, has apparently attracted the attention of Russia, China, and the United States (US). The Indonesian government is finalizing the plan to build the NPP to help achieve its 103 gigawatts (GW) electricity supply target.
President Prabowo Subianto's Climate and Energy Special Envoy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo said that Prabowo plans for the construction of an NPP in Indonesia soon after companies from several countries made offers to build it. He revealed that the companies include State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom from Russia, Westinghouse Electric Company from the United States (US), China National Nuclear Corporation.
"Our Russian friend, Rosatom, came with a good proposal," he said at the Indonesia Green Energy Investment Dialogue 2025 forum on Feb. 27, 2025.
However, the development of nuclear energy takes a long time. As an example, China's proposal for NPP construction to be completed by at least 140 months, or around 12 years.
"So we have to start immediately, maybe by this year," Hashim, who is also the president's brother, noted.
The government targets 20 GW from natural gas as well as 4.3 gigawatts (GW) from the nuclear mix in Indonesian electricity state-owned enterprise (SOE) PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) or PLN's Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL).
"[Then] 75 GW from NRE (new and renewable energy). The 4.3 GW for the nuclear [mix] will come from various investors," said Hashim.
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Energy and Mineral Resources Deputy Chair Aryo Djojohadikusumo stated that Kaidn members are involved in the three companies' commitment to develop nuclear power in Indonesia, with said companies communicating with them about the investment's possibility.
"Still in the negotiation stage, it cannot be announced yet," he said.
However, Westinghouse in particular has established a partnership with Kadin members. Meanwhile, China's interest through CNNC was obtained when Kadin accompanied Prabowo's state visit to China at the end of 2024.
"[Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu said] when he met President Prabowo two days ago that Rosatom was interested in participating for building an NPP [in Indonesia]" Aryo, who is also Hashim's son and thus the president's nephew, revealed on Feb. 28, 2025.
Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry New and Renewable Energy (NRE) and Energy Conservation Director-General Eniya Listiani Dewi divulged that three task forces will be created to determine the location for NPP construction. The task forces will be appointed by the NRE and Energy Conservation Directorate-General after the government inaugurates the formation of the Nuclear Energy Program Implementation Organization (Nepio).
"I have prepared the Nepio Presidential Decree, this will be discussed with the [Energy and Mineral Resources] Minister. From there, the three task forces will be assigned to determine the location," she explained.
Eniya said the task force will also be ordered to create NPP safety procedures.
"Determining the safety system, how the procurement will be, and how the NPP will be built," she elaborated.
National Development Planning Minister/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Head Rachmat Pambudy said that the development of nuclear power plants is for energy, food and water self-sufficiency, not offensive expansion. He also directed the National Development Planning Ministry/Bappenas main planning experts to complete the supporting planning documents and prepare a comprehensive strategic plan related to the development of NPPs.
"We need concrete steps to ensure that nuclear development is not only technically successful, but also beneficial for the Indonesian people. Our focus is on energy self-sufficiency, not military expansion," he said.
Indonesia have also committed to the global Net Zero Emisson (NZE) initiative, and the country's electricity sector is expected to experience a decrease in emissions from 2035 to 2060.
Rachmat assessed that NPPs have several strategic advantages which aligns with NZE, namely being able to operate 24 hours without interruption, high land efficiency, and compatibility with near-shore locations. NPPs with Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology are also considered to be more flexible, safer, and more cost-effective. Thus, they are a strategic solution for Indonesia's energy needs.
"With projected economic growth of up to 7-8 percent, preparations for the construction of NPPs must begin now so that they can operate in 2030-2035," he said.
Rachmat expected for NPP development in Indonesia to be the main pillar in supporting sustainable development while strengthening the country's position in global energy initiatives.
"Indonesia has shown a serious commitment to the development of nuclear energy through cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and efforts made by BATAN (National Nuclear Energy Agency). Strategic steps have been taken to prepare in-depth technical and economic data to ensure that nuclear energy management is carried out professionally and responsibly. This is in line with national policies that aim to support sustainable development," he explained.
National Energy Council (DEN) member Agus Puji Prasetyono said that there are 29 locations that have been identified to have the potential to house NPPs which would start operating by 2032. They include:
- Pangkalan Susu District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province;
- Tanjungbalai City, North Sumatra;
- Batam City, Riau Islands Province;
- Bintan Regency, Riau Islands;
- West Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province;
- Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands;
- South Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands;
- Bojonegara District, Serang Regency, Banten Province;
- The Mount Muria area of Central Java Province;
- Gerokgak District, Buleleng Regency, Bali Province;
- Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province;
- Semesa Island in Islands Raya River District, Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan;
- Gosong Beach, Islands Raya River District, Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan;
- Muara Pawan District Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan;
- Pagar Mentimun Village, South Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan;
- Keramat Jaya Village, Kendawangan District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan;
- Kendawangan District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan;
- Air Hitam Besar Village, Kendawangan District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan;
- Kuala Jelai Subdistrict, Jelai District, Sukamara Regency, Central Kalimantan;
- The town of Sangatta in East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan Province;
- Samboja District, East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan;
- Babulu Laut Village, Babulu District, North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan;
- Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi Province;
- Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province;
- Toari District, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi;
- The Kobul Cape area in Central Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province;
- The Bintuni Bay area in West Papua Province;
- The town of Timika in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province;
- Merauke Regency, South Papua Province.
Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) Executive Director Fabby Tumiwa believes that the US, China, and Russia are trying to sell NPP with SMR technology technology to Indonesia because the cost for Indonesia to develop it would be expensive since the country does not have an industry that supports the requisite operation and maintenance.
"So if something happens, the replacement of nuclear power plant spare parts must be purchased from the country that provides the technology i.e. through imports. This will create continuous dependence on the technology owner," he said.
The cost of developing floating NPPs in Russia that could move and provide power on demand is around US$10,000 to US$11,000 per kilowatt (kW), while the cost for building China's NPP reaches US$8,000 per kW. On the other hand, the cost of NPP technology from the US reaches around US$7,000 per kW.
"This [NPP] is not cheap to build [since], even though it is small at 55 mega[watt or MW] per unit, it is modular and can be scaled up. The [NPP] technology around today, both commercial and pre-commercial, is very expensive compared to other power plants in Indonesia," Fabby elaborated.
