The Deputy Chairman for Nuclear Safety Assessment, Haendra Subekti, reaffirmed the Indonesian government's commitment to continued collaboration on the energy transition. Haendra emphasized the importance of clear licensing mechanisms, public engagement, and the application of international safety standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Deputy Chairman for Licensing and Inspection, Zainal Arifin, added that BAPETEN holds primary responsibility for issuing licenses and overseeing safety regarding the utilization of nuclear energy in Indonesia. "We must ensure that every stage of NPP development proceeds in accordance with applicable safety, security, and safeguards standards," he stated.

The session continued with a presentation by the Director of Regulation of Nuclear Installation and Materials (DP2IBN) at BAPETEN, Nur Syamsi Syam, who outlined the progress of regulations and the licensing scheme for NPPs in Indonesia. Syamsi explained that BAPETEN carries out its supervisory functions based on Law Number 10 of 1997 on Nuclear Energy, which is currently undergoing revision to accommodate technological advancements and energy transition needs.

In her presentation, she detailed the hierarchy of nuclear regulations, ranging from laws, government regulations, and presidential regulations to BAPETEN regulations, which cover all stages of NPP licensing: site selection, design, construction, operation, and decommissioning. She also highlighted the implementation of risk-based business licensing in accordance with Government Regulation (PP) No. 28 of 2025, as well as licensing schemes for large-scale, small (small modular reactors), and micro-scale NPPs.

“BAPETEN will ensure that the licensing and oversight processes for NPPs in Indonesia are conducted transparently, consistently, and in alignment with international standards, while simultaneously supporting national energy transition targets,” the official stated.

The event continued with a discussion in which JICA presented an energy transition master plan management project focused on providing stable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Key points of discussion included capacity building, energy demand projections, the formulation of a roadmap toward carbon neutrality by 2060, and the target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 21%, as outlined in Indonesia’s 2022 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC.

Several strategic issues were also discussed, including the potential construction of a 250 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in Kalimantan, BAPETEN’s involvement in the newly established NEPIO organization, and strategies to avoid potential conflicts of interest between the implementing body and the regulatory body. BAPETEN affirmed that it would continue to fulfill its regulatory role to ensure the safety and security of nuclear utilization.

Furthermore, BAPETEN highlighted the need for human resource capacity building, encompassing training, on-the-job experience, and collaboration with universities and technology partners. Efforts to build public trust in NPPs were also addressed through public consultations, information dissemination, and stakeholder engagement.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that Indonesia’s energy transition, particularly regarding NPP development, is a long-term process involving significant challenges. JICA views 2032 as a critical period for realizing realistic energy transition steps, while BAPETEN emphasized that nuclear safety aspects will remain a global standard that must be strictly upheld. [DP2IBN/Zakki/BHKK/OR/Translator: GP]