ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia has taken another major step toward launching its first nuclear power plant by forging a strategic partnership with the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET) at Tsinghua University, bringing together 14 leading Indonesian universities to develop the scientific expertise, research capacity, and highly skilled workforce needed to support the country’s target of operating nuclear power by 2032.
The initiative, launched during a high-level Focus Group Discussion hosted by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) under the China–Indonesia Belt and Road Joint Laboratory, highlights the deepening science and technology partnership between Jakarta and Beijing as Southeast Asia’s largest economy seeks to strengthen energy security and accelerate its transition toward low-carbon energy.
BRIN’s Head of the Nuclear Energy Research Organization, Saiful Bahri, described the collaboration as a critical milestone in building Indonesia’s long-term nuclear ecosystem.
“We hope this partnership will become a solid foundation for Indonesia’s first nuclear power plant, which is targeted to begin operations in 2032,” he said.
The forum brought together representatives from academia, researchers, and policymakers to discuss strategic priorities ranging from advanced reactor technologies—particularly the High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR)—to expanding the use of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, and food security. Participants also explored ways to strengthen academic collaboration and develop the highly skilled workforce required to support Indonesia’s future nuclear industry.
Professor Tong Jiejuan of INET said Indonesia already possesses promising scientific capabilities and research infrastructure to support a national nuclear energy program.
Following her visit to BRIN’s nuclear research facilities, she noted that Indonesia shares many similarities with China in developing nuclear technology and has established a strong foundation for future growth.
Tong attributed China’s success in nuclear development to an integrated ecosystem that combines higher education, scientific research, engineering, and technology commercialization within a single innovation framework.
She also emphasized the importance of expanding joint laboratories as platforms connecting universities, research institutes, and industry, arguing that breakthrough technologies can only emerge through sustained collaboration and long-term investment in human capital.
“Our cooperation should extend beyond technology transfer. It should also focus on scientific knowledge, research capacity, and the development of talented professionals who will ensure the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy programs,” she said.
Building that talent pipeline has become one of Indonesia’s top priorities as the government moves closer to introducing nuclear power into the national energy mix.
BRIN Deputy Chair for Human Resources in Science and Technology, Edi Giri Rachman Putera, said the agency plans to support around 200 doctoral candidates at leading universities worldwide, with Tsinghua University designated as one of the primary destinations for advanced studies in reactor engineering, accelerator technology, and nuclear science.
The program is being implemented jointly with Indonesia’s Education Endowment Fund (LPDP) through targeted scholarships aimed at developing expertise in strategic technologies essential for the country’s long-term energy transition.
Beyond scholarships, BRIN is expanding international research mobility programs that enable Indonesian researchers and graduate students to work alongside leading scientists at world-class institutions. One flagship initiative sends Indonesian students to CERN in Switzerland for up to six months of advanced research, providing first-hand experience with some of the world’s most sophisticated scientific facilities.
According to Edi, BRIN currently invests approximately US$8–10 million annually in human capital development, with funding expected to increase as collaboration with LPDP and international partners continues to expand.
The partnership with Tsinghua University is expected to accelerate Indonesia’s efforts to build a globally competitive nuclear workforce while strengthening long-term research collaboration between the two countries.
As Indonesia pursues its first commercial nuclear power plant, the initiative reflects a broader national strategy to diversify energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, strengthen energy resilience, and position the country as an emerging player in advanced nuclear technology within the Asia-Pacific region. (AT Network)
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