An executive with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has urged the government to pursue nuclear power cooperation with South Korea and Canada, citing geopolitical stability compared to other major nuclear nations like the United States, Russia, and China.

“We see very promising technologies coming from Canada and Korea. These are more acceptable to the Trump administration. We don’t want to cause concern on the U.S. side, either,” Aryo Djojohadikusumo, Kadin Vice Chairman for Energy and Mineral Resources said at the Energy Insights Forum: Unpacking Indonesia’s New RUPTL, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Aryo noted growing international interest in Indonesia’s nuclear ambitions, emphasizing that Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) would be the most suitable approach given their smaller scale and operational flexibility. Nuclear power development is included in Indonesia’s Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) 2025–2034, with an initial capacity target of 500 megawatts (MW).

The Indonesian government is exploring nuclear cooperation with various countries. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that Russia recently offered non-military nuclear collaboration during President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to Moscow.

“We’re discussing the proposal now. It’s still under conceptual review,” Bahlil told a press conference at the Jakarta Geopolitical Forum IX/2025 on June 24, 2025.

The Russian proposal involves building 300–500 MW nuclear power plants in South Sumatra and West Kalimantan. Bahlil reiterated Indonesia’s openness to collaborate with any country, as long as the partnership is mutually beneficial.

“We have no problem with any country, as long as they have a cooperative relationship with Indonesia,” he said.

Bahlil also confirmed that discussions with Canada’s Energy Minister have taken place to explore potential nuclear energy cooperation, though he did not disclose further details.

Indonesia’s nuclear plans are gaining momentum amid global energy transitions and rising energy demands. SMRs are seen as a strategic and safer option, suitable for remote regions and grid-constrained areas, while also offering lower capital investment and shorter deployment times compared to traditional nuclear plants.