Kadin suggests nuclear partnership with Canada, South Korea

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Aryo Djojohadikusumo suggested that the government consider collaborating with Canada and South Korea on the development of nuclear power plants (PLTN).

In a statement cited in Jakarta on Friday, he noted that both countries possess significant uranium reserves, on par with those of the United States, China, and Russia.

He made the remarks in the context of the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) of state-run electricity company PLN for the 2025–2034 period, which outlines Indonesia’s plan to build a 500-megawatt PLTN targeted to begin operations in 2032.

Related news: Canada, Russia keen to build nuclear plants in Indonesia: govt

“The plan to build a PLTN in Indonesia is worth discussing, especially when it comes to the development of small modular reactors,” Djojohadikusumo emphasized.

The Kadin leader noted that nuclear energy is viewed as efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly, and could be a strategic means to strengthen national energy security while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

While acknowledging the promising benefits of nuclear power, he also reminded the government of the importance of broad public information campaigns to address concerns about potential risks.

Regarding the PLTN initiative, he underlined that PT Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (PNRE), a subsidiary of state-run oil and gas giant Pertamina, has expressed interest in participating.

“The president director of PNRE has informed me of his company’s keenness to participate in the PLTN project. This certainly is good news, as PNRE will contribute to Indonesia’s push for an energy transition,” he affirmed.

Earlier, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced that it is preparing regulations for processing uranium or thorium as raw materials for the planned PLTN. Potential deposits of these materials have been identified in Melawi District, West Kalimantan.

The district reportedly holds an estimated 24,112 tons of uranium. The use of this resource for the PLTN is partly awaiting a government policy and feasibility study.

Related news: Pertamina NRE interested in Indonesia’s nuclear power development

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