Indonesia’s nuclear energy push pits growth against safety concerns

President Prabowo Subianto plans to build two new nuclear plants as part of Indonesia’s goal to derive more energy from clean sources

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A nuclear research reactor in Serpong, Indonesia. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:00pm, 1 Dec 2024

In a move that could reshape Indonesia’s energy landscape, President Prabowo Subianto is advocating for nuclear power as a solution to the country’s growing energy demands. While supporters hail the initiative as a transformative step for Southeast Asia’s largest economy, critics sound alarms about radioactive waste and high costs.

Prabowo’s brother and top adviser, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, outlined the administration’s ambitious goal during Cop29 in Baku on November 19: to add over 100 gigawatts of power in the next 15 years, with at least 75 per cent sourced from renewable and clean energy, including nuclear. The country aims for net zero emissions by 2060.

“So this is a commitment from Indonesia [to speed up the transition to clean energy]. In addition, we will [have] 5GW more from nuclear power,” Hashim told reporters.

Hashim had previously said that the government plans to build two nuclear plants with varying capacities, including a larger facility in western Indonesia capable of producing up to 2GW. The country currently operates two nuclear reactors, primarily for research purposes.

Hashim Djojohadikusumo, special envoy to the president of Indonesia, delivers a statement during the UN climate change conference Cop29, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 12. Photo: Reuters

“What needs to be looked for is the safest place [for the plants], one that is earthquake-resistant. Don’t build it in areas where there is a high risk of earthquakes, there could be an accident,” Hashim said on November 12.