At the Indonesia Economic Summit 2026 on 4 February, Presidential Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Hashim Djojohadikusumo announced that the government has made a “truly new” policy decision to begin nuclear power procurement, targeting 7 GW of capacity by 2034. The initial phase foresees a 500 MW plant, with construction potentially beginning as early as 2027 and the first plant operational by 2029–2032. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that “at DEN [the National Energy Council], this has been discussed seriously” and that nuclear energy will be prioritised. Planned locations include Sumatra and Kalimantan (250 MW each), with 29 potential sites across 13 regions identified by the National Energy Council. 

The RUPTL 2025–2034 allocates 500 MW for nuclear within its renewable energy target. The Ministry of ESDM is finalising a presidential decree to establish the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementation Organisation (NEPIO), which will oversee licensing, safety, and procurement. Technology options under consideration include SMRs, HTGRs, and thorium-based reactors (ThorCon’s TMSR-500 is in pre-licensing consultation with BAPETEN). Several countries – including the US, Japan, South Korea, Russia, China, and France – have expressed interest in partnering on Indonesia’s nuclear programme. 

Environmental groups, including WALHI, have raised safety concerns, particularly regarding Indonesia’s seismic activity, regulatory enforcement capacity, and waste management. Energy analysts caution that nuclear plant construction typically takes 7–12 years with considerable cost overrun risk, and that Indonesia’s vast untapped renewable potential (over 3,600 GW) could be deployed faster and more cost-effectively.

Sources: Indonesia Business Post, 4 February 2026; Business Today MY, 4 February 2026; ANTARA, 23 January 2025; BenarNews, March 2025; Nuclear Business Platform