Indonesia revives nuclear plan, eyes uninhabited Semesak Island for first plant

Indonesia, long dependent on coal, is reviving nuclear ambitions that were shelved after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, now treating nuclear power as a strategic component of its energy policy. Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot told an international forum that nuclear will help balance the mix and achieve decarbonisation targets, with a goal of a first plant operating by 2032 and nuclear supplying up to 12.1 % of primary energy by 2060.

The preferred site is the uninhabited Semesak Island off Sungai Raya Village in Bengkayang Regency, though the island lies near active fishing grounds and some residents fear radiation risks. Local officials, including Regent Sebastianus Darwis, see the project as a catalyst for industry and a power source for the new capital Nusantara, while experts like Fabby Tumiwa warn of safety and economic concerns. Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and Russia’s Rosatom have signed agreements to assist, with a focus on small modular reactors. The ministry still awaits presidential approval to create the implementing agency and formally select the location.