Energy demand worldwide continues to grow over time. Population and industrial growth are increasing energy needs, particularly electricity. Dependence on fossil energy makes the energy sector the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions (see Figure 1 (Left)). The concentration of greenhouse gases, whether CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), or N2O (nitrous oxide), increases global temperatures, resulting in global warming (see Figure 1 (Right)).
Currently, global industry as well as that of Indonesia still relies on fossil energy. In Indonesia, electricity demand continues to rise. Electricity generation in Indonesia still depends heavily on fossil energy.
This dependence on fossil-fuel-based power plants makes Indonesia one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in Southeast Asia (see Figure 3).
With the ambition to achieve the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target by 2060 and to reach national energy independence, the energy transition agenda should become a top priority. Achieving national energy independence is one of the main programs of President Prabowo Subianto, alongside food and water self-sufficiency. To meet domestic energy needs, energy supply from various sources is required. One alternative source that is highly efficient, low-emission, environmentally friendly, and already well-developed in several advanced countries is nuclear energy.
Nuclear energy is a source of energy produced from fission (splitting of nuclei) or fusion (combining two nuclei) reactions of the atomic nucleus (Krane, 1987). These reactions create a chain reaction that produces large amounts of energy. In terms of efficiency, energy produced from nuclear fission is far higher than fossil fuel combustion or other renewable energy sources. One kilogram of uranium-235 can produce nearly 3 million times more energy than one kilogram of coal.
Indonesia currently faces an energy crisis problem where domestic energy consumption cannot yet be met by domestic energy sources. Meanwhile, nuclear technology is still overshadowed by historical fears, especially related to war and reactor accidents. In fact, since 1954 President Sukarno had already planned the development of a nuclear power plant (PLTN). Indonesia is one of two countries, along with India, that received recommendations from the IAEA. India has since developed several nuclear power plants.
If Indonesia wants to make history, the government must understand the extent to which these challenges and obstacles can be overcome so that by 2032 Indonesia can operate a nuclear power plant.
In realizing national sovereignty, President Prabowo Subianto aims for Indonesia to achieve self-sufficiency in food, water, and energy. To achieve energy self-sufficiency and the NZE 2060 target, President Prabowo seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase the share of new and renewable energy in the electricity mix. Nuclear energy is one of the options to replace fossil energy (RUPTL, 2021). The Indonesian government plans to build nuclear power plants as part of its energy transition plan with a target of 75 GW from new and renewable energy sources, with nuclear energy expected to contribute 4.3 GW. Indonesia is currently in discussions for cooperation with Russia to build nuclear power plants.
Indonesia has abundant mineral resources required for nuclear power plants, such as in Kalimantan, which has 45 thousand tons of uranium and 7 thousand tons of thorium. With such reserves, Indonesia could achieve energy self-sufficiency if nuclear power plants are successfully operated. The land requirement for nuclear power plants is 50 times lower than coal power plants and 18 to 27 times lower than solar power plants. One kilogram of uranium alone can produce energy for 73 years (Permana, 2024).
One factor behind the failure of nuclear power plant development so far is the weakness of government communication strategy. The public remains overshadowed by fear due to lack of understanding of nuclear energy. For example, the contamination case in Serpong several years ago still lacks a clear resolution. The public still demands safety guarantees, assurance of no leakage, and importantly, assurance that such a large project will not be corrupted. This lack of clarity has led to opposition to nuclear energy implementation. Failure in public communication can be counterproductive to nuclear energy development plans in Indonesia.
From now on, the government needs to build public opinion on the positive aspects of nuclear power plants. Communication should be more revolutionary, considering Indonesia’s energy crisis conditions. Nuclear power plants must be communicated intelligently, as in the United States, where nuclear advocates include former Miss America who is also a nuclear engineering graduate.
Communication must focus on highlighting the potential of nuclear energy and providing public assurance. The narrative can take the form of: “From risk to clean energy, from trauma to national sovereignty.” Energy storytelling must be delivered in a way that is understandable to the public, not through cold and elitist technical terms. Indonesia can also learn from Japan in building public trust, including through benefit redistribution models, where around 2% of nuclear power plant revenue goes to villages surrounding the plant.
In terms of defense and security, nuclear power plants can potentially develop into nuclear weapons systems. The location of nuclear power plants must consider geopolitical aspects. Nuclear control systems must be secured by personnel who understand nuclear technology.
Cyberattacks can become real destructive weapons. Therefore, defense and national security components must be part of the national nuclear system design. Threats are not only natural disasters, but also man-made disasters that may appear as natural but are actually engineered by other states.
Future predictions suggest that wars will become increasingly asymmetric, and there is a potential for World War III. To become a strong nation, there is no alternative but to possess nuclear capability.
The PLTN program has repeatedly failed due to weak government consistency. Each time nuclear power is discussed, other issues overshadow it, preventing progress. The key to successful implementation is political stability and economic consistency. In principle, nuclear power plants are non-site-specific and can be built anywhere. Requirements are divided into mandatory ones—security, safety, and safeguards—and non-mandatory ones according to IAEA, such as technology selection, management, and development strategy. Unfortunately, attention is often focused on non-mandatory aspects.
To ensure public confidence, an independent supervisory body is needed, free from corruption and political intervention, staffed with credible and competent individuals. Such an institution would reassure the public through credible oversight. Institutionally, this program should be strategic and require an autonomous body appointed directly by the President, similar to the BRR Aceh agency after the tsunami disaster, which was widely considered successful nationally and internationally.
Learning from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, many aspects must be prepared beyond funding and technology, including social readiness, human resources, and supervision. The Fukushima accident occurred partly due to reactor design by American engineers that failed to anticipate a 15-meter tsunami, while the design was only for 9 meters.
The challenge of nuclear power development is no longer only technological or financial, but also about decision-making courage, regulatory firmness, policy consistency, and narrative intelligence. The government must convincingly communicate the benefits of nuclear energy and its positive impacts. Transparency, accountability, and consistency are essential for successful implementation.
Therefore, GREAT Institute recommends the government establish an independent autonomous body, such as a Directorate General of Nuclear Energy under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, specifically responsible for nuclear policy implementation, including nuclear power plants. In addition, Indonesia Nuclear Industry Corporation (INUKI) should be made independent and not merged with other state-owned enterprises, so it can more freely cooperate with the private sector in developing the nuclear industry.
