Although the process may take time, PLN together with the government remains committed to bringing Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) to Indonesia. Nuclear energy is seen as the most ideal solution as it addresses the energy trilemma by ensuring a reliable, clean, and affordable power supply.

“NPPs generate electricity as stable as coal-fired power plants, with low production costs, and they are also clean. This means nuclear power meets all aspects of the energy trilemma: reliability, cleanliness, and affordability,” said Evy Haryadi, PLN’s Director of Technology, Engineering, and Sustainability, during a national seminar titled ​“Opportunities, Challenges, and the Role of Nuclear Energy in the Power Sector to Support Decarbonization Policy Towards Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2060”, hosted by the Indonesian Electricity Society (MKI) East Java in Surabaya, Tuesday (Sept 9, 2025).

This commitment, Evy explained, is reflected in PLN’s latest Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) for 2025–2034, which sets a target of building 500 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity, with operations expected to begin in 2032. Meanwhile, the National Electricity Master Plan (RUKN) envisions a total of 7 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2040.

“If it’s already written in both RUKN and RUPTL, then PLN is committed to building NPPs in the future, even though the process may take at least nine years,” Evy added.

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Even before its inclusion in the RUPTL 2025–2034, PLN had studied nuclear adoption with several countries that have successfully deployed nuclear energy. For this reason, PLN is engaging ministries, universities, and technology providers to collaborate and share expertise.

“MKI itself can play a role in supporting the government’s nuclear program. After all, PLN signed the Paris Agreement in 2021, and since renewable energy resources may become exhausted in the future, nuclear energy will be essential. A long preparation is required, along with identifying opportunities and addressing challenges,” said the Chairman of MKI.

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Previously, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo also explained that in the long term, the government has tasked the state-owned utility with developing up to 7 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2040. This means between 2034 and 2040, PLN will add another 6.5 GW of NPP capacity.

“By 2040, PLN is expected to add about 7 GW of nuclear power capacity in total, included in the RUPTL until 2040. This is still in draft form, with modeling now underway,” Darmawan said during a Hearing with Commission XII of the Indonesian Parliament, Tuesday (Aug 26, 2025).​

Darmawan emphasized that realizing this target requires regulatory frameworks, the establishment of a nuclear institution, and most importantly, political support, which remains the biggest challenge.

As for site selection, Evy revealed that BRIN is currently evaluating several potential locations. Specifically, plans are being considered for a 2×250 MW plant in West Kalimantan and Sumatra. “The final locations will be announced by the government,” he said.

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In addition, Indonesia’s nuclear development awaits the establishment of the Nuclear Energy Program Implementation Organization (NEPIO), a dedicated body to coordinate and accelerate project preparation—one of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s key requirements for commercial nuclear development. NEPIO will be established by presidential decree.

Alongside NEPIO, the government is also working to meet all IAEA standards prior to building NPPs.

The Need for Synergy

MKI East Java Chairman Dwi Kusnanto noted that developing nuclear energy faces challenges, including regulations, public acceptance, and financing. Strong synergy among stakeholders is needed to identify opportunities for implementation.

“This is an energy transformation. Nuclear power is a strategic option that must be considered in the national energy transition toward NZE 2060. As part of this agenda, MKI is facilitating dialogue and collaboration within the electricity sector,” Dwi said.

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PLN East Java General Manager Ahmad Mustaqir added that the energy transition cannot rely solely on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. Nuclear power has a significant role as a reliable, low-carbon baseload.“With proper management, nuclear can be one of the solutions to ensure energy security while supporting the decarbonization of the power sector,” Ahmad said.

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He also emphasized PLN’s responsibility to support nuclear implementation by integrating it into the future power system, building capabilities through in-depth studies, and formulating concrete steps that will contribute significantly to Indonesia’s renewable energy development.