IAEA says Indonesia accelerating its nuclear energy development

Jakarta (ANTARA) - International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Indonesia is accelerating nuclear power development plans, including Small Modular Reactors, with IAEA support.

"Indonesia is accelerating plans for nuclear power, including SMRs, with IAEA support, while expanding nuclear science applications in health through #RaysOfHope," Grossi wrote on X, as monitored in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Grossi said he met National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Head Arif Satria on the sidelines of the IAEA's 70th General Conference in Vienna on Tuesday.

They reviewed cooperation and IAEA support following last month's earthquake, including the use of nondestructive testing and isotope hydrology.

Satria said Indonesia is strengthening implementation of its national nuclear energy program, including preparations to build the country's first nuclear power plant.

"The Indonesian government is currently strengthening implementation of the nuclear energy program to build Indonesia's first nuclear power plant as part of its clean energy transition and net-zero emissions commitment," Satria said.

Indonesia has formally requested a follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission from the IAEA in 2027 to strengthen national nuclear infrastructure readiness.

Related news: Indonesia pursues nuclear power for energy needs, not weapons

"Indonesia looks forward to IAEA support in strengthening national human-resource capacity, particularly in advanced nuclear reactor technologies, including Small Modular Reactors and large-scale reactors," Satria said.

Grossi reaffirmed the IAEA's commitment to prioritizing missions and technical assistance for Indonesia, including technology-neutral assessments of commercial reactors and their suitability for national conditions and development targets.

The IAEA also stands ready to support Indonesia throughout its nuclear development, while strengthening cooperation with the Health Ministry through its Rays of Hope program to expand radiation oncology capacity.

On August 20, National Energy Council member Sripeni Inten Cahyani said Indonesia's nuclear plans had gained concrete direction through site identification and plans to include nuclear power in PLN's 2025-2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan.

Under the plan, nuclear power development targets 500 megawatts of capacity, with 250 megawatts scheduled for 2032 and another 250 megawatts for 2034.

BRIN has identified 28 potential nuclear power plant sites, with current development efforts focused on West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung.

Related news: Significant progress in RI's nuclear research in past decade: IAEA

Reporter: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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