Academics Encourage Nuclear And Realization Of EBT To Become A Self-Sufficiency Solution For Prabowo's Government

Academics in East Kalimantan assess the use of nuclear energy as a strategic solution for Indonesia in achieving national energy self-sufficiency. In addition to being cheap and efficient, nuclear is also considered capable of strengthening energy security amid increasing electricity needs and limited fossil resources.

"When it comes to energy, especially for electricity, the development of nuclear potential is very important. People who have concentration in the energy sector will agree with nuclear issues," said energy researcher from the Balikpapan Oil and Gas Technology College (STTT MIgas), Dr. Andi Jumardi, Friday, October 17.

Andi assessed that Kalimantan is one of the potential regions for the development of nuclear power plants (PLTN) because its geological condition is relatively safe from earthquakes. He explained that research results show that West Kalimantan has enriched uranium reserves and meets economic criteria to support the national PLTN project.

I was once involved in research on small modular reactors and enriched uranium. What is more potential for PLTN development is in West Kalimantan, because there is uranium reserves that can meet the economic aspect," he said.

In line with Andi, economist from Mulawarman University (Unmul) Purwadi Purwoharsojo said nuclear energy could actually be a humane' solution for the welfare of the people. Because apart from making electricity cheap, PLTN is also low in emissions.

He considered that the research of the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) was very advanced, but had not been implemented seriously. So, currently nuclear technology is much safer with an efficient fourth generation modular system and minimal risk. BAT is like a person who is told to practice boxing, but has never been in the ring. Until the research results of BATAN friends have reached the research ceiling," said Purwadi.

He also mentioned the use of nuclear as a new and renewable energy source (EBT) that was conveyed by the 1st President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno. Academics on campus have also been waiting for the green light from the government for nuclear utilization. "Friends of the Nuclear Student Association are waiting for a statement about Indonesia go nuclear. Even though Soekarno once said that in 1965, he had imagined that one day we would need nuclear," he said.

Meanwhile, Unmul public policy expert, Dr. Saipul, assessed that nuclear energy does have a low production cost advantage, but it requires careful governance. Therefore, he emphasized the need for security standards and strict risk handling before the PLTN project is realized.

He added that cooperation with G20 countries that are already more experienced can enrich technology and improve safety.

Indonesia has an opportunity to implement nuclear energy. But the raw materials must be considered, do we have our own raw materials at low cost, or do we still have to import from outside?" he said.

For information, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is preparing a draft Presidential Regulation which regulates the Nuclear Energy Program for the Implementation Organization (NEPIO). The Presidential Regulation is targeted to be completed this year.

Director General of New and Renewable Energy (EBTKE) Eniya Listiani Dewi said the presence of the Presidential Decree would be the basis for executing the construction of the first nuclear plant in the country. He said the initial draft of the regulation had been discussed with the Ministry of State Secretariat (Kemensetneg), the Ministry of Law, the National Energy Council (DEN) and BRIN. We have discussed it," said Eniya after attending the Human Capital Summit 2025 at JCC Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, June 4, 2025.