Rosatom Director General Meets BRIN, Indonesia and Russia Strengthen Nuclear Cooperation
Efforts to explore nuclear technology development cooperation between Indonesia and Russia continue. The Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, met with Russia’s Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev to discuss opportunities in the nuclear sector, both for energy and non-energy needs.
The meeting serves as a follow-up to the previous agenda when President Prabowo Subianto received Likhachev at the Palace in Jakarta the day before.
According to Detikcom, Arif explained that BRIN is tasked with exploring nuclear technology development cooperation. The groundwork for Indonesia’s cooperation with Rosatom began in 2006.
“This is a comprehensive effort to explore various advanced technology options for the future. BRIN is responsible for ensuring that every step in nuclear technology exploration is well-coordinated across agencies,” said Arif in his statement, quoted from detikNews, Thursday (14/5/2026).
Arif stated that the main focus of the cooperation will be on further strengthening the Joint Working Group for preparing large-scale nuclear energy implementation. The scope of this exploration includes developing a roadmap, site studies, reactor technology selection, and in-depth examination of the nuclear fuel cycle.
In addition to focusing on nuclear-based energy exploration, this strategic collaboration also targets several other areas. One of them is the revitalisation of research facilities and the modernisation of the GA Siwabessy research reactor facilities in the B.J. Habibie Science and Technology Area (KST) in Serpong.
“This also includes the management of radioactive waste and the fabrication of reactor fuel elements,” he said.
Then, the development of High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) technology. This type of reactor can be used for hydrogen production, water desalination, and other industrial needs, in addition to generating electricity.
Furthermore, the development of radioisotopes for application in the medical and industrial sectors. There is also the development of irradiation technology and its utilisation in the food, medical, and industrial fields.
“Human resource development: Strengthening educational cooperation and capacity building for human resources in nuclear technology. This effort will involve close coordination with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek),” he continued.
Arif said that this technology exploration is progressing progressively. He emphasised that the success of adopting atomic energy in Indonesia does not solely depend on the sophistication of infrastructure.
“Mastery of nuclear technology is essential, but the involvement of social sciences disciplines is crucial. This sociological approach is vital for mapping public acceptance levels, mitigating socio-economic impacts, and ensuring that every stage of nuclear energy exploration in Indonesia proceeds transparently, safely, and humanely,” Arif stressed.
It is known that the technical partnership between Indonesia and Russia has a solid historical track record. Technical-level implementation has been successful, including collaboration between BATAN and Rosatom in 2015, BAPETEN and Rostechnadzor in 2017, and the Nuclear Polytechnic Institute (STTN) and Rosatom Technical Academy in 2020. “As a manifestation of real commitment, BRIN will continue and strengthen that cooperation,” he concluded.