While exploring different options was par for the course in seeking potential partnerships, experts agree that careful consideration in package composition vis-à-vis Indonesia's needs and goals, including compliance with any existing deals, is key to realizing its nuclear energy ambitions.
A 500-megawatt floating thorium-based nuclear plant, proposed by American energy company Thorcon International for deploying in Indonesia, appears in this undated illustration. (Handout/Thorcon International)
Jakarta is walking a diplomatic tightrope as it courts global rival powers to build Indonesia’s first nuclear power plant, raising questions over whether competing geopolitical interests could complicate its nuclear ambitions.In its pursuit of a partnership with Russia, momentum is accelerating after a delegation from Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom met with President Prabowo Subianto on May 12 in Jakarta. Days later during the 14th Indonesia-Russia Joint Commission Meeting, the two countries agreed to deepen energy cooperation, including the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
On June 18, Foreign Minister Sugiono green-lit the nuclear cooperation with Russia, including technology transfers and human resource development, which he said could help Indonesia achieve its energy self-sufficiency goals.
