Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is pursuing the development of nuclear energy with the sole purpose of supporting energy self-sufficiency, with no intention of using it for weapons, according to a minister.
"Our focus is on energy self-sufficiency, not offensive expansion," National Development Planning Minister (PPN) Rachmat Pambudy said as quoted in a statement from the PPN Ministry on Saturday.
Pambudy highlighted this objective during a meeting with ministry officials to explore the potential of nuclear power plants in supporting national development.
"We need concrete steps to ensure that this nuclear development is not only technically successful but also beneficial for the Indonesian people," he affirmed.
To this end, Pambudy urged his team to formulate a strategic and comprehensive plan for building nuclear power plants.
Indonesia has set a target to achieve net zero emissions (NZE) by 2060 and is actively developing new energy sources to replace fossil-based energy.
Pambudy stated that nuclear power plants offer several strategic advantages, including their ability to operate continuously and their efficient use of land. Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear technology is being considered a suitable option for Indonesia due to its flexibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
He affirmed that nuclear power plants utilizing SMR technology present a strategic solution for meeting the nation's future national energy demands.
"With an economic growth projection of 7–8 percent, the development of nuclear power plants must be prepared now so they can operate by 2030–2035," Pambudy emphasized.
The development of nuclear power plants in Indonesia is expected to support sustainable energy development and strengthen the country's position in global energy initiatives.
During the same meeting, Deputy Minister Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard affirmed Indonesia's strong commitment to nuclear energy development through various efforts by the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"Steps have been taken to prepare technical and economic data to ensure that nuclear energy development is carried out professionally and responsibly," Ruddyard stated.
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Translator: M Baqir Idrus Alatas, Anton Santoso
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
