Indonesia is setting its sights on a bold new frontier in energy. President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Indonesia plans to design and develop its own nuclear reactors. This step forward was revealed during the Indonesia-Brazil Business Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Prabowo highlighted the nation’s aspirations for energy independence and innovation.
“We (Indonesia) intend to design and produce our own nuclear reactors,” said Prabowo. “This initiative will also open avenues for collaboration with Brazilian industries.” His remarks underscored Indonesia’s determination to advance its energy capabilities while strengthening international partnerships.
Despite its ambitious nuclear goals, Indonesia remains deeply committed to renewable energy. According to Prabowo, the nation is rich in natural energy resources such as hydro, geothermal, and solar power. These resources form the backbone of Indonesia’s energy transition plan, aimed at securing a sustainable future.
Adding to this vision, Indonesia’s Presidential Special Envoy for Climate Change and Energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, shared further details during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He outlined a roadmap for constructing 75 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy-based power plants by 2040. This includes hydroelectric, solar, wind, and geothermal energy projects, alongside 5 GW of nuclear power and 22 GW of gas-based power plants.
“By 2040, we aim to add 75 GW of renewable energy capacity, covering hydropower, geothermal, solar, and wind,” Hashim explained. “Additionally, we plan for 5 GW of nuclear power and a vast 70,000-kilometer transmission network to support the system.”
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Indonesia’s nuclear ambitions have drawn international support. In a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo at the White House on November 12, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to assisting Indonesia in its nuclear journey. The U.S. pledged to accelerate feasibility studies for small modular reactors (SMRs), a cutting-edge nuclear technology that aligns with Indonesia’s clean energy transition.
The commitment was detailed in a Joint Statement released on the White House website. Beyond feasibility studies, the U.S. also promised to train Indonesian nuclear experts through specialized certification programs in nuclear reactor research.
“This collaboration aims to cultivate a new generation of nuclear specialists,” the statement read. It is a partnership that not only strengthens Indonesia’s energy sector but also deepens strategic ties between the two nations.
President Biden emphasized the broader significance of this cooperation, describing the U.S.-Indonesia partnership as pivotal for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. His remarks reflect the geopolitical and environmental stakes tied to Indonesia’s energy transformation.
As the world grapples with climate change, Indonesia’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources, with balancing renewables and nuclear, stands out as a forward-thinking strategy. With both domestic resolve and international backing, the nation is poised to lead by example in the global transition to sustainable energy.
