Jakarta – Three major countries, namely the United States (US), Russia and China, have submitted proposals to build nuclear power plants in Indonesia, which are currently still under government review, according to sources at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). Investment interest in constructing nuclear power plants in Indonesia is increasing in line with the global shift towards clean energy.
In his statement on Monday, March 3, Aryo Djojohadikusumo, Deputy Chairman for Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) of Kadin Indonesia, confirmed that the three countries have submitted proposals and are negotiating with relevant parties in Indonesia.
“These three countries have communicated with us, with members of Kadin Indonesia, so there have been serious talks. All three also involve Kadin members in this cooperation,” said Aryo.
According to Aryo, the three countries are represented by leading companies in the nuclear industry. The US submitted a proposal through Westinghouse Electric Corporation, a leading electrical equipment manufacturer. China offered cooperation through China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), a government-owned enterprise in the nuclear power sector. Meanwhile, Russia is represented by Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), which has experience building nuclear reactors in various countries.
Global momentum and prospects for nuclear power plants in Indonesia
Investment in nuclear power is a growing global trend. A January 2025 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that the value of investment in the nuclear sector continues to increase yearly, with the global investment scenario reaching up to US$150 billion per year by 2030 in the Net Zero Emissions scenario.
In this scenario, the installed capacity of global nuclear reactors is expected to reach 1,000 gigawatts (GW) by 2050, a drastic increase from the current capacity of around 410 reactors in 30 countries. Nuclear power contributes around 9% of the world’s total electricity supply.
“President Prabowo Subianto has also emphasised the importance of nuclear energy as a clean energy source that can support the health sector, agriculture, and national energy security,” Aryo explained.
As a low-emission energy source, nuclear power has high efficiency and better energy supply stability than other renewable energies such as wind and solar. Based on data compiled by Kadin from various sources, nuclear power plants can produce electricity 20% higher than wind energy and 70% above solar panels. In addition, nuclear power plants can also be utilised to purify seawater into clean water and support industrial needs by generating heat for various purposes.
Green Indonesia and investor attraction
Kadin Indonesia has set a priority programme for 2025 under the “Green Indonesia” initiative to attract investment in the new and renewable energy (NRE) sector, including nuclear power plants. One focus is encouraging the government to provide attractive investment incentives for investors interested in developing nuclear energy in Indonesia.
Aryo emphasised that most foreign investment funds in Indonesia will likely be injected into the green energy sector and strategic industries supporting its development, such as the minerals sector. This move also aligns with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2024-2029 work plan, emphasising energy conservation and accelerating the energy transition.
“The President has repeatedly emphasised the importance of investment in the renewable and green energy sector. This is a great opportunity for us to join the global trend,” Aryo added.
The Indonesian government is still reviewing proposals from the US, Russia, and China to ensure the most suitable technology, competitive costs, and long-term economic and environmental benefits. Negotiations involving various stakeholders, including Kadin, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and international partners, are ongoing.
“We want to ensure that incoming investments really provide great benefits for Indonesia, both in terms of energy security, economy, and environmental sustainability,” Aryo concluded. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Image generated by OpenAI’s DALL·E via ChatGPT (2024)
