ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The United States is stepping up support for Indonesia’s long-term energy transition and Southeast Asia’s energy security agenda by promoting civilian nuclear power as a strategic solution to rising electricity demand and decarbonization goals.
The initiative was highlighted during the June 22–24 visit of Dr. Kelle Barfield, a U.S. expert in nuclear communications and public engagement, who met with government officials, researchers, industry leaders, and regional stakeholders across Indonesia as part of Washington’s broader effort to deepen cooperation on advanced nuclear technologies.
The visit forms part of the U.S. government’s Freedom 250: American Leadership in Energy Security initiative, which aims to foster dialogue on civilian nuclear energy and showcase American expertise in delivering reliable, clean, and secure energy solutions.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, the program reflects Washington’s commitment to supporting Southeast Asia’s energy future while strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships with Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and ASEAN.
Barfield began her visit in Bandung, where she held discussions with researchers and academics from the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
She also met officials from the Geological Agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to discuss Indonesia’s energy resource landscape.
The focus then shifted to Jakarta, where Barfield led discussions on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a next-generation nuclear technology increasingly viewed as a viable option for countries seeking low-carbon and reliable electricity generation.
The meetings brought together Indonesian energy companies and senior government officials, including National Energy Council (DEN) member Satya Widya Yudha, to explore opportunities for future collaboration.
A key event of the visit was a public forum titled “Powering the Future: American Leadership in Clean Nuclear Energy,” hosted at @america in Jakarta. The panel featured DEN member Sripeni Inten Cahyani and ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) senior official Rully Hidayatullah, attracting more than 100 participants from government institutions, academia, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector.
Speaking during the forum, Barfield emphasized that Indonesia already possesses significant experience in nuclear technology through decades of operating research reactors and developing domestic expertise.
“Indonesia is not starting from zero. The country has decades of experience with research reactors, as well as the human resources and expertise needed to continue advancing its capabilities,” Barfield said.
She argued that the success of nuclear programs depends not only on technology and economics but also on public trust and community engagement.
“In nuclear energy, the question is not only whether the technology works or how much it costs. It is also about whether the public supports it,” she said, highlighting the United States’ experience in transparency and stakeholder engagement.
On the final day of her visit, Barfield met with regional media representatives and ASEAN officials to discuss strategies for building public confidence in advanced nuclear technologies as Southeast Asia seeks to meet growing energy demand while reducing carbon emissions.
The discussions included representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Centre for Energy, the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy, and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
U.S. Embassy spokesperson Jamie Ravetz said Washington remains committed to supporting the deployment of safe, transparent, and high-standard nuclear energy solutions across the region.
“The United States is proud to partner with Indonesia and ASEAN in advancing safe, transparent, and high-standard nuclear energy solutions. SMRs present a real opportunity to strengthen energy security across the region, and the United States stands ready to support that future,” Ravetz said.
The renewed U.S. push comes as several ASEAN countries reassess nuclear power as part of their long-term energy strategies amid rising electricity demand, energy security concerns, and net-zero emissions commitments.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has intensified discussions on the potential deployment of nuclear power plants as part of its broader energy transition roadmap. While no commercial reactor has yet been built in the country, policymakers increasingly view advanced nuclear technologies such as SMRs as a potential complement to renewable energy sources.
Through deeper cooperation with Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and ASEAN institutions, the United States is positioning itself as a key strategic partner in shaping the next generation of clean energy infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. (AT Network)
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