Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) holds a cross-ministry and institution Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to discuss human resource and institutional readiness in preparation for the construction of Indonesia's first nuclear power plant (PLTN). The FGD is held at the B.J. Habibie Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Head of BRIN, Arif Satria, stated that nuclear power plants are no longer positioned as a last resort, but rather a key pillar of clean and stable baseload energy.
"PLTN construction represents a technological leap forward that demands strict international safety and security standards under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," Arif said.
Therefore, the readiness of competent human resources with integrity and strong nuclear safety standards is an absolute and non-negotiable precondition.
"The six-year window leading up to 2032 is a critical period. This FGD aims to ensure that when Indonesia’s first PLTN operates, it will be operated by the nation's best, well-prepared individuals, not simply relying on foreign workers," Arif emphasized.
This FGD synergizes five key dimensions of human resource readiness, which have been partially implemented. The five dimensions are:
- Technology and Standards Dimension from BRIN, ensuring research and innovation support the development process
- Institutional and Bureaucratic Dimension from the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, which will discuss the regulatory framework and career schemes to attract the best talent
- National Energy Policy Dimension from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, which ensures the PLTN roadmap aligns with the availability of human resources
- Nuclear Safety and Security Dimension from BAPETEN, which guarantees strict supervision by highly qualified personnel
- Operational and Industrial Dimension from PT. PLN Nusantara Power, which will spearhead the safe and efficient operation of the reactor
Several crucial topics are discussed, ranging from competency roadmaps, bureaucratic transformation and human resource management, career development regulations in the nuclear sector, to operational readiness and strategies for transitioning human resources from coal-fired power plants to nuclear power plants.
Additionally, the discussion also talks about the time gap risk, where IAEA standards require thousands of hours of experience for reactor operators. Therefore, if large-scale training only begins in 2029, Indonesia may face a crisis of a small number of licensed operators by 2032.
The discussion is moderated by the Head of the Nuclear Energy Research Organization (ORTN) of BRIN and features six key panelists: the Deputy for Human Resources for Science and Technology at BRIN; the Deputy for Human Resources for Apparatus at the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform; the Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM); the Head of BAPETEN; and the Vice President of Technology Development at PT PLN Nusantara Power.
Conclusion
BRIN holds an FGD discussing the importance of accelerating human resource and institutional readiness to support the construction of Indonesia's first PLTN, targeted for operation in 2032. Through synergy across ministries and institutions, the government is preparing experts, regulations, and operational systems that meet international safety standards so that the PLTN operations can be carried out safely and competently by domestic human resources.
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