Ecobiz.asia – Indonesia is assessing nuclear power technologies from the United States, Canada, Russia and South Korea as it prepares to develop nuclear power as part of its long-term energy strategy, a member of the National Energy Council (DEN), Satya Widya Yudha, said.
The technologies under consideration include large-scale nuclear power plants with capacities of around 1,000–3,000 megawatts (MW), as well as floating nuclear power plants, Satya said.
“We are looking at the possibilities,” Satya said at the Green Economy 2045 National Seminar on Tuesday (Sept. 29, 2026).
The options include technologies from the United States and Canada, Russia, and South Korea, including technology deployed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he said.
Satya said technology readiness and proven operating records would be key considerations in selecting nuclear technology for Indonesia.
“We do not want to use technology that is still in the research stage. We want technology with the highest readiness level,” he said.
Indonesia is also considering floating nuclear power plants, including ship-based technology that could be brought to Indonesia and connected to the national electricity grid.
“There are already several countries with proven and reliable technologies,” Satya said.
ASEAN Nuclear Market
Indonesia’s nuclear development also needs to be considered in the context of a wider emerging nuclear market in Southeast Asia, Satya said, as several ASEAN countries are preparing or considering nuclear power programs.
He said Malaysia is targeting nuclear power development around 2031–2032, while Vietnam is looking at 2031 and the Philippines around 2037. Indonesia itself is targeting 2032.
The simultaneous development of nuclear programs could create opportunities for nuclear technology and equipment providers, financing institutions and companies involved in the wider nuclear power supply chain.
The ASEAN Centre for Energy has also identified growing nuclear energy activities among member states, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, Satya said.
He said the regional trend makes it important for ASEAN countries to develop common approaches to nuclear safety, supervision and nuclear waste management.
“We have to compromise among ASEAN countries and say that we have the same requirements, the same supervision and the same waste management. That has to be the same,” he said.
Satya said a regional approach would be important because the potential consequences of a nuclear incident could extend beyond national borders.
“We have to increase awareness in each country. If Indonesia does not develop nuclear power while Singapore and Malaysia do, any impact would also affect us,” he said.
Indonesia’s assessment of multiple international nuclear technologies comes as several Southeast Asian countries explore nuclear power to meet rising electricity demand and diversify low-carbon power sources.
With Indonesia and other ASEAN countries moving toward nuclear development, the sector could create opportunities across reactor technology, infrastructure, financing and related supply chains. ***
