Speaking at an outreach event on the National Energy Policy at the University of Mataram, DEN member Sripeni Inten Cahyani highlighted that nuclear power is no longer viewed as a last resort in Indonesia’s energy planning.
“Previously, nuclear energy was the last option. Now, it is a dark horse that can accelerate the achievement of net-zero emissions,” Sripeni told participants in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara.
She noted that several neighboring ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have incorporated nuclear power into their long-term energy strategies, with projects targeted to begin operations between 2031 and 2035.
Indonesia already has a foundation for nuclear energy development, supported by specialized academic programs at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and a 30-megawatt research reactor in Serpong, Banten, which remains operational.
The national roadmap for nuclear power development has been incorporated into the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) of state-owned electricity company PLN for 2025–2034, which targets a total nuclear generation capacity of 500 megawatts (MW).
Under the plan, 250 MW is scheduled to come online in 2032, followed by another 250 MW in 2034.
Furthermore, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has identified 28 potential locations for nuclear power plants (PLTN), with initial assessments focused on West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung.
Sripeni therefore urged the public to move beyond longstanding concerns about nuclear technology, noting that radiation is already used safely in various sectors, including medical diagnostics.
She emphasized that nuclear power could play an important role in meeting Indonesia’s rapidly growing industrial energy demand while supporting the country’s climate targets.
Related news: Indonesia eyes nuclear power to drive economic growth
Related news: Indonesia needs 200 new researchers for nuclear energy push: BRIN
Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
Facts Only
* DEN member Sripeni Inten Cahyani spoke at an outreach event at the University of Mataram.
* Nuclear energy is no longer viewed as a last resort in Indonesia’s energy planning.
* Neighboring ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have incorporated nuclear power into long-term energy strategies.
* Projected operation start times for these regional projects are between 2031 and 2035.
* Indonesia has academic programs at Gadjah Mada University (UGM).
* A 30-megawatt research reactor is operational in Serpong, Banten.
* The national roadmap incorporates nuclear development into the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) for 2025–2034.
* The RUPTL targets 500 megawatts (MW) of total nuclear generation by 2034.
* 250 MW is scheduled to come online in 2032.
* Another 250 MW is scheduled to come online in 2034.
* The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) identified 28 potential locations for nuclear power plants (PLTN).
* Initial assessments for PLTN locations focus on West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung.
Executive Summary
Full Take
The narrative presents a clear pivot from viewing nuclear power as a theoretical endpoint to integrating it into pragmatic, near-term energy strategy, heavily framed around climate necessity and regional peer adoption. The core tension lies between the established public apprehension regarding radiation safety and the projection of large-scale economic and environmental benefits. The structure implicitly builds resilience by anchoring potential technology within existing national infrastructure (UGM research, existing reactor) and established policy mechanisms (RUPTL).
The pattern observed is a strategic recontextualization: framing a potentially controversial technology as an essential tool for achieving established, non-negotiable goals—net-zero emissions and industrial energy demand satisfaction. This tactic leverages the 'dark horse' positioning to bypass resistance rooted in historical or generalized fears, shifting the debate from "if" nuclear power should be used to "how quickly" it can be deployed responsibly. The reference to neighboring ASEAN countries functions as a form of social proof, suggesting that integration is an emerging regional standard rather than an isolated Indonesian risk.
The implication for cognitive sovereignty rests on recognizing how policy language shapes perception. By emphasizing the pragmatic timeline (2031–2035) and concrete targets (500 MW), the discourse attempts to compress the perceived risk into a manageable, scheduled progression. The missing piece for independent inquiry is the detailed examination of the safety protocols and societal acceptance mechanisms that underpin the BRIN's location assessments versus the stated public reassurance regarding radiation usage in other sectors. What specific institutional safeguards are being prioritized alongside the energy capacity goals? What are the long-term economic trade-offs accounted for when prioritizing rapid deployment over prolonged public deliberation?
Sentinel — Human
The text appears to be a factual report derived from an interview, accurately synthesizing specific details regarding Indonesia's nuclear energy roadmap and related international context.