Indonesia studies nuclear power plant in Riau Islands
The government aims to have at least 500 MW of nuclear generating capacity connected to the electricity grid in 2032–2034.
Indonesia is studying a proposal to locate a nuclear power plant in the Riau Islands, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on 26 October 2026. He said assessments were continuing as the government considers nuclear power to support energy security.
Speaking at a press conference at his ministry, Bahlil said Indonesia had entered into cooperation arrangements to develop nuclear power plants. The proposed Riau Islands facility would be among those developments, although calculations were still under way.
Deputy Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Yuliot Tanjung said on 22 October that the government was discussing national nuclear energy plans with state electricity company PT PLN (Persero). He said 28 sites had previously been prepared, with further locations being considered alongside a floating plant proposal.
Yuliot said the electricity supply plan targets at least 500 MW of grid-connected nuclear capacity in 2032–2034. With construction requiring 7 to 10 years, he said site preparation needed to begin early.
He argued that new and renewable energy alone could not meet large electricity requirements in some regions, and that nuclear plants were needed to provide substantial, steady supplies.
