Russia offers nuclear and aluminium cooperation to West Kalimantan
Tuesday, March 3 2026 - 06:59 AM WIB
Russia has offered cooperation to develop a nuclear power plant and an aluminium processing facility in West Kalimantan, as well as expand education ties, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov said as quoted by media.
Tolchenov made the proposal during a meeting with West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan in Pontianak last week, marking his first official visit to the province.
He said Russia is offering advanced nuclear power plant technology and has asked the provincial government to identify potential strategic partners for projects including nuclear development and aluminium processing. Any cooperation would depend on readiness and approval from the Indonesian government and relevant authorities.
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Representatives from Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom and aluminium producer Rusal accompanied the ambassador.
Rosatom said it has reactor technology with capacity ranging from 100 megawatts to 1,200 megawatts per unit. Rusal offered to invest in building an aluminium processing plant, citing West Kalimantan’s significant bauxite reserves.
Governor Ria Norsan said the province has prepared a potential nuclear power plant site on Semesak Island in Bengkayang District and is seeking investors. He added that further discussions would be coordinated with Indonesia’s central government, particularly the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Editing by Alexander Ginting