Two PLN subsidiaries tasked with assessing nuclear technologies

Indonesia’s nuclear regulator BAPETEN has assigned two subsidiaries of state-owned utility PT PLN (Persero)—PLN Indonesia Power (PLN IP) and PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP)—to conduct technology assessments for planned nuclear power plant (NPP) projects in West Kalimantan and the Bangka Belitung Islands.

BAPETEN Deputy for Nuclear Safety Assessment Haendra Subekti said PLN IP will evaluate potential nuclear technologies for a project planned in West Kalimantan, while PLN NP will carry out a similar assessment for Bangka Island. Both subsidiaries may also become developers of the proposed power plants should they choose to proceed.

“There are two designated entities: PLN Nusantara Power and Indonesia Power. Either of them could later submit the licensing applications, or they may appoint an independent power producer,” Haendra told reporters at the BAPETEN office on Thursday (4 December 2025).

Haendra clarified that the Bangka project under PLN NP is located at a different site from the nuclear plant proposed by PT ThorCon Power Indonesia, which is advancing its own molten-salt reactor project. While ThorCon’s planned facility is located on Kelasa Island, PLN NP’s assessment site is in West Bangka. The region had previously been studied by the former National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), which conducted site evaluations in both West and South Bangka.

Read also: Thorcon receives regulatory approval for nuclear power plant

Earlier this year, ThorCon became the first company in Indonesia to receive nuclear-related regulatory approval, after BAPETEN cleared its Kelasa site evaluation plan (PET) and evaluation management system plan (SMET). ThorCon aims to begin construction in 2027 and start commercial operation of its 500 MW molten salt reactor by 2031. The project is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to introduce 10 GW of nuclear power by 2040.

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) previously identified 28 potential sites for nuclear development across Indonesia. BRIN has conducted three major site studies to date: Mount Muria in Jepara (1991–1996), Bangka Island (2010–2012), and a more recent but still incomplete nationwide assessment in 2020.

So far, only one site—Serpong in Banten—has received an official license, while three others remain under evaluation.

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia previously stated that Indonesia aims to commission its first nuclear power plant by 2030—two years earlier than the formal target of 2032 and significantly ahead of the older planning horizon of 2039.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak