The Government of Indonesia has formally set 2032 as the target year for the commissioning of its first nuclear power plant, marking a major shift in national energy policy and the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s long-term energy mix for the first time. The move ends decades of intermittent exploration and establishes a clear pathway for nuclear development as part of Indonesia’s transition toward a low-carbon energy system.
Under the government’s roadmap, nuclear power capacity is projected to reach 45 GW by 2060, including 35 GW for electricity generation and 9 GW for hydrogen production. The plan confirms that the first nuclear unit, with a capacity of 250 MW, will begin operations in 2032, followed by a second unit of similar size. To support the nuclear supply chain, the government has also established a dedicated agency to manage uranium, thorium, and other strategic minerals.
Electricity demand in Indonesia is expected to reach 1,813 terawatt-hours by 2060, requiring around 443 GW of net-capable capacity. Renewables are projected to account for 42 percent of generation, supported by 34 GW of energy storage, creating a need for stable baseload power to maintain grid reliability. Nuclear power is being positioned to fill this role due to its low emissions and ability to provide continuous output compared with weather-dependent sources such as solar and wind.
Grid readiness remains a key consideration in deployment planning. Studies indicate that 250-MW reactors are suitable for Sumatra and Kalimantan, where grid strength is more limited, while larger reactors could be accommodated in the stronger Java–Madura–Bali system. The government has identified regulatory clarity, institutional capacity, and public acceptance as critical next steps, alongside the need for a dedicated presidential regulation to accelerate nuclear development and governance.