Jakarta, INTI - The National Energy Council (DEN) has indicated that nuclear power plants (NPPs) could play a strategic role in replacing fossil-fuel-based power generation, particularly coal-fired power plants. Currently, more than 60 percent of Indonesia’s national electricity production is still supplied by coal-fired facilities.
DEN Secretary General, Dadan Kusdiana stated that under the National Energy Policy, nuclear power is positioned as an alternative baseload power source. Baseload power plants are designed to deliver a stable and continuous electricity supply. Nuclear power plants are classified as environmentally friendly baseload generators due to their significantly lower emissions compared to fossil-fuel-based power plants. As a result, several countries are considering nuclear energy as part of their strategy to reduce emissions.
Dadan explained that baseload power plants are needed to balance electricity generated from renewable energy sources, which tend to be fluctuating in nature. “If we want to accelerate the development of renewable energy power plants, then we need facilities that can balance the system and serve as a baseload. Nuclear power plants are equally clean and capable of performing this role,” Dadan said after the Energy Outlook 2025 event hosted by PYC on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
NEPIO and Regulatory Framework for Nuclear Development
According to Dadan, DEN has initiated efforts to accelerate the development of nuclear power plants by preparing an institutional framework through the establishment of the Nuclear Energy Program Implementation Organization (NEPIO). NEPIO is an organization formed to expedite the development of nuclear power generation.
The organizational structure of NEPIO has been discussed and harmonized across ministries, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and has now been formulated in the form of a presidential regulation. “The presidential regulation is already on the President’s desk and is just awaiting the ratification process,” he said.
Dadan explained that NEPIO will be ad hoc in nature and will consolidate functions from various existing institutions. Previously, the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) was merged into the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Going forward, BRIN will become part of NEPIO.
“BRIN will be part of this organization, although the details are still pending formal determination,” he said.
Dadan emphasized that the development of nuclear power plants is not intended to immediately replace all coal-fired power plants. As is widely known, the government’s plan for early retirement of coal-fired plants has stalled due to cost considerations and the lack of sufficient affordable financing support.
Conclusion
Nuclear power is increasingly viewed as a strategic option to support Indonesia’s energy transition by providing stable and low-emission baseload electricity. Through the establishment of NEPIO and a supportive regulatory framework, the government is laying the groundwork for long-term nuclear development while managing a gradual and realistic transition away from coal.
Read more: Pertamina NRE Partners with China’s GCL to Develop Clean Energy Projects in Indonesia