Investment Ministry Still Seeking Investors for Nuclear Power Plant Development in Indonesia
JAKARTA — The Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is still exploring potential investors to build nuclear power plants in Indonesia. Beyond investors, technology and regulation are also crucial aspects that must be prepared.
Deputy for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM, Nurul Ichwan, said that nuclear energy in modular or small-scale form could serve as an economical new and renewable energy source.
"As for who the investors will be to make investments there, we still need to explore further," Nurul told reporters at the BKPM office on Wednesday (23/4/2025).
Indonesia has also begun planning the development of nuclear power plants targeted to begin operations by 2030. However, the country continues to optimise renewable energy sources from geothermal, solar panels, and others.
"But if, for instance, in a situation where development cannot proceed with available resources due to locational considerations or unfavourable natural conditions, nuclear could also serve as an alternative because the technology, including modular technology from the United Kingdom, already exists," he said.
He assessed that investors are still waiting to see the renewable energy mix and the current priority positioning of nuclear energy. Therefore, his office still needs to work out the details.
In this regard, preparations will be carried out in stages by the government, from presenting the potential of nuclear power plants in Indonesia to drafting risk assessments for nuclear implementation.
"Indonesia is not unfamiliar with nuclear technology — we already have the facility in Serpong for power generation built using our own technology. However, the issue of whether this can be accepted is not merely about investors coming in and us implementing it," he said.
Various related stakeholders must conduct assessments regarding mitigation and socialisation of nuclear power plants to the public concerning the benefits of the new technology.
Previously, Deputy Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno and Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss energy transition issues, including nuclear power plant development.
Eddy explained that during the meeting, Tony Blair shared developments in renewable energy technology in the United Kingdom, including the construction of modular nuclear plants with a relatively small capacity of 300–500 megawatts (MW).
According to him, modular nuclear plant development is well-suited for an archipelagic nation like Indonesia. He also mentioned that Tony Blair introduced a British company for further discussions on modular nuclear power.
"We will await the presentation from the company in question to learn more and understand more deeply how nuclear technology can be adopted in Indonesia going forward," said Eddy, as quoted from Antara on Tuesday (22/4/2025).
By 2038, Eddy added, renewable energy sources on Java are expected to be depleted, making nuclear power plants a necessity. West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung are the preferred locations for nuclear power plant construction in Indonesia. However, no site has yet been designated for the development.
Deputy for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM, Nurul Ichwan, said that nuclear energy in modular or small-scale form could serve as an economical new and renewable energy source.
"As for who the investors will be to make investments there, we still need to explore further," Nurul told reporters at the BKPM office on Wednesday (23/4/2025).
Indonesia has also begun planning the development of nuclear power plants targeted to begin operations by 2030. However, the country continues to optimise renewable energy sources from geothermal, solar panels, and others.
"But if, for instance, in a situation where development cannot proceed with available resources due to locational considerations or unfavourable natural conditions, nuclear could also serve as an alternative because the technology, including modular technology from the United Kingdom, already exists," he said.
He assessed that investors are still waiting to see the renewable energy mix and the current priority positioning of nuclear energy. Therefore, his office still needs to work out the details.
In this regard, preparations will be carried out in stages by the government, from presenting the potential of nuclear power plants in Indonesia to drafting risk assessments for nuclear implementation.
"Indonesia is not unfamiliar with nuclear technology — we already have the facility in Serpong for power generation built using our own technology. However, the issue of whether this can be accepted is not merely about investors coming in and us implementing it," he said.
Various related stakeholders must conduct assessments regarding mitigation and socialisation of nuclear power plants to the public concerning the benefits of the new technology.
Previously, Deputy Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno and Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss energy transition issues, including nuclear power plant development.
Eddy explained that during the meeting, Tony Blair shared developments in renewable energy technology in the United Kingdom, including the construction of modular nuclear plants with a relatively small capacity of 300–500 megawatts (MW).
According to him, modular nuclear plant development is well-suited for an archipelagic nation like Indonesia. He also mentioned that Tony Blair introduced a British company for further discussions on modular nuclear power.
"We will await the presentation from the company in question to learn more and understand more deeply how nuclear technology can be adopted in Indonesia going forward," said Eddy, as quoted from Antara on Tuesday (22/4/2025).
By 2038, Eddy added, renewable energy sources on Java are expected to be depleted, making nuclear power plants a necessity. West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung are the preferred locations for nuclear power plant construction in Indonesia. However, no site has yet been designated for the development.