Russia And Indonesia Sign Landmark Nuclear Energy Pact

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Russia and Indonesia deepen nuclear energy partnership, with Rosatom offering comprehensive cooperation on power plants, fuel exports, and localization

Jakarta and Moscow, May 13, 2026 – Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom and Indonesia’s government have expanded their strategic partnership, with discussions focusing on nuclear power plant construction, fuel exports, and the certification of Indonesian agricultural produce. The talks, led by Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, mark a significant step in Indonesia’s push to develop a domestic nuclear energy sector.

Comprehensive Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

During Likhachev’s working visit to Jakarta on May 12, the two sides signed off on a framework for cooperation that includes:

• Large-scale nuclear power plant (NPP) development, with Rosatom offering turnkey solutions for Indonesia’s planned nuclear expansion.
• Small modular reactors (SMRs) and floating NPPs, tailored to Indonesia’s archipelagic geography, which features over 17,000 islands.
• Technology localization, ensuring Indonesian firms participate in manufacturing, maintenance, and operational phases.
• Non-energy nuclear applications, including nuclear medicine and research reactor upgrades.

Likhachev emphasized Indonesia’s existing nuclear infrastructure, noting that the country already operates research reactors and has a growing pool of nuclear-trained professionals, many of whom have studied in Russia. He also highlighted Indonesia’s nuclear roadmap: 500 megawatts by the early 2030s, 7–8 gigawatts by the 2040s, and 35–37 gigawatts by the 2060s.

Fuel Exports and Agricultural Certification

Beyond energy, the discussions included:

• Russian fuel exports to support Indonesia’s nuclear reactors, with Rosatom positioning itself as a long-term supplier.
• Certification of Indonesian agricultural produce using Russian nuclear technology, potentially boosting food safety and export standards.

The talks followed Indonesia’s ratification of the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union (I-EAEU) Free Trade Agreement, which aims to streamline trade between Indonesia and Russia’s regional partners, including Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Armenia.

Broader Industrial and Trade Ties

Russia and Indonesia are accelerating cooperation ahead of the INNOPROM 2026 trade exhibition, with Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Andrey Lyubimov calling for faster implementation of joint projects in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The two nations are also exploring dual-use technology transfers, including nuclear-powered desalination plants and medical isotope production.

Geopolitical Context

The deepening nuclear partnership comes as Indonesia diversifies its energy sources amid global supply chain disruptions. Meanwhile, Russia—under sanctions for its actions in Ukraine—seeks alternative markets for its nuclear expertise, particularly in Southeast Asia, where China and South Korea are also active.

Next Steps Rosatom and Indonesia’s Badan Tenaga Nuklir Nasional (BATAN) will finalize a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the coming weeks, outlining project timelines, funding mechanisms, and localization targets. The first phase of cooperation is expected to focus on feasibility studies for coastal NPP sites, with construction potentially beginning by 2028.

Sources:

• Rosatom press release (May 12, 2026)
• ANTARA News (May 13, 2026)
• Interfax (May 13, 2026)
• Jakarta Globe Q&A (May 13, 2026)