Russia offers nuclear and aluminium cooperation in West Kalimantan
“First of all, we would like to offer the implementation of our advanced nuclear power plant management technology. Our purpose in visiting West Kalimantan is to introduce the nuclear power plant construction technology we possess while exploring potential cooperation,” Tolchenov said in Pontianak on Friday.
The statement was delivered during his meeting with West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan as part of his first official visit to the province to introduce Russian technology, particularly in the nuclear energy sector.
Tolchenov said he had asked the provincial government to identify strategic partners for the planned development of a nuclear power plant, an aluminum processing plant, and educational cooperation.
Russia, he added, would assess the feasibility of concrete projects that could be implemented jointly with the regional administration.
“From this meeting, we have seen a positive response from the West Kalimantan provincial government, and we hope this marks a good start for future cooperation. We will continue to update the progress of these discussions,” he said.
He emphasized that the realization of cooperation, particularly in nuclear energy, depends on the readiness of the Indonesian government and the West Kalimantan provincial government. If formal cooperation is opened, Russia is ready to follow up.
“Everything depends on the readiness of the Indonesian government and West Kalimantan. We are awaiting an official response from the provincial government regarding this plan,” he said.
During the visit, Tolchenov was accompanied by several Russian investors from the bauxite mining, aluminum processing, and nuclear energy sectors.
Anna Belokoneva, a representative of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said the company has reactor technology capable of generating between 100 and 1,200 megawatts of electricity per unit with high safety standards.
“We ensure that our technology is safe for both the environment and people. We have cooperated with a number of international partners and are ready to explore cooperation with Indonesia, including West Kalimantan, which has significant potential,” she said.
Belokoneva added that if the Indonesian government and the West Kalimantan provincial government express readiness, her company would welcome and proceed with cooperation in accordance with applicable regulations.
Meanwhile, Aleksey Mirskiy, a representative of Russian aluminum company Rusal, offered investment in the construction of an aluminum processing plant in the province.
“We are ready to build an aluminum processing plant in West Kalimantan. We already operate similar facilities in Russia and, if agreeable, we invite the governor to visit our plant to observe the management system implemented there,” he said.
He noted that West Kalimantan’s substantial bauxite reserves present a strategic opportunity for downstream aluminum industry development.
Governor Ria Norsan welcomed the offer, stating that the provincial government has prepared a site for a nuclear power plant on Semesak Island in Bengkayang District and is currently seeking interested investors.
“For the nuclear power plant development, we have prepared a location on Semesak Island in Bengkayang District. We are indeed looking for investors. If Russia is willing to become an investor, we would certainly welcome it,” Norsan said.
He added that West Kalimantan has significant natural resource potential, including bauxite, to support energy-based industrial development and mineral downstreaming.
However, Norsan stressed that further discussions would be coordinated with the central government, particularly the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, as nuclear power plant projects fall under national strategic authority.
“We will, of course, coordinate with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for the next steps. Technical discussions and cooperation mechanisms will be discussed jointly with the central government,” he said.
Beyond energy and industry, Russia also offered cooperation in education. Tolchenov said the Russian government provides hundreds of scholarships annually for Indonesian students in technological and socio-cultural fields.
As a follow-up, the Russian Embassy will hold an investment exhibition in Jakarta on July 6–9 and has invited the West Kalimantan governor to attend.
“This meeting marks an initial step in exploring strategic cooperation between West Kalimantan and Russia, particularly in energy, industrial downstreaming, and strengthening educational capacity,” Norsan said.
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Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Primayanti