The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is exploring the deployment of floating nuclear power plants (PLTNs) in remote areas of eastern Indonesia, which currently rely heavily on diesel-fueled generators.
“The government is also considering the utilization of floating nuclear power plants for remote areas in Eastern Indonesia,” said Jisman P. Hutajulu, Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of ESDM, as quoted from the ministry’s official website.
Jisman noted that the ministry has finalized several key policy documents in the energy sector, including the National Energy Policy (KEN), which has been approved by the House of Representatives (DPR), and the National Electricity General Plan (RUKN), which was established by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia.
He added that the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) by PLN, Indonesia’s state-owned utility company, is in the final stages of drafting and is expected to be ratified soon.
The current RUPTL draft includes nuclear energy in the national energy mix, with plans to develop 500 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power capacity over the next 10 years.
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However, Jisman acknowledged several challenges in nuclear development, particularly regarding safety concerns and public acceptance.
“We need to learn from countries like India and Bangladesh, which have already developed nuclear power plants,” he said.
Haendra Subekti, Deputy for Safety Assessment at the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), emphasized the importance of strengthening the legal and regulatory framework. He confirmed that the government is revising Law No. 10 of 1997 on Nuclear Energy to better address issues of safety, preparedness, international cooperation, and law enforcement.
“We are updating the law to serve as a stronger legal foundation for the development of nuclear power plants,” Haendra stated.
Previously, the Indonesian government announced plans to build a 250 MW on-grid nuclear power plant, initially targeted for operation in 2032. However, recent efforts aim to accelerate the timeline to 2029.
The move toward nuclear energy is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. According to the National Electricity General Plan (RUKN) 2025–2060, total power generation capacity is projected to reach 443 gigawatts (GW) by 2060, with 79 percent expected to come from new and renewable energy sources.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
