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Asian Angle | Indonesia looks set to solidify long-term plans for nuclear energy generation
- Signs are clear Indonesia is keen to leverage nuclear power as a key part of its energy transition plan to reach net zero emissions
- The onus will be on the government to establish rules so that commercial nuclear reactors are built and operated safely, and skilled labour recruited
Earlier this month, the Indonesian parliament called for expert advice on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), in a sign that suggests it is preparing to ratify the United Nations pact.
Jakarta’s ratification of the TPNW would be timely as it is drawing up a regulatory framework for commercial nuclear power programmes. It will assert Indonesia’s rejection of the development and use of nuclear weapons but also the country’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Given Indonesia has a more mature infrastructure and talent pool for operating nuclear power plants compared to most other Southeast Asian countries, it seems clear it is keen to leverage nuclear power as a key part of its energy transition plan to reach net zero emissions.
Indonesia has run a nuclear research programme since the 1960s, and it currently operates three nuclear research reactors in Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Serpong. In the 1990s, officials conducted site surveys to build commercial nuclear reactors in Jepara. Similar surveys were conducted in 2011-13 in Bangka Belitung, off the east coast of Sumatra island, but no official decision was taken. Another feasibility study in West Kalimantan is expected to be completed in 2024.
The country has two main government agencies working on nuclear issues. The National Nuclear Agency operates research reactors and is the designated technical support organisation on nuclear energy, while the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency regulates, inspects, and enforces laws on nuclear safety.
Indonesia’s government is revising the regulatory framework for building commercial nuclear reactors. The latest proposed amendments on the draft law on New and Renewable Energy explicitly mentions “commercial nuclear power plant”. It also authorises the central government to issue licences to business entities with expertise in nuclear energy to construct and operate nuclear reactors. Parliament must approve any construction of nuclear power plants, but this requirement is exempted for “third-generation reactors”.
Steps before ‘going nuclear’
Before making a political decision to start a nuclear energy programme, Indonesia must take three steps.