Indonesia opens nuclear talks with Russia, U.S., Japan and others ahead of NEPIO approval

By Cepi Setiadi

The government is intensifying discussions with several countries including Russia, United States, Canada, Japan and South Korea as part of preparations for a national nuclear energy development program while awaiting presidential approval for the establishment of the Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO).

Secretary General of the National Energy Council (DEN) Dadan Kusdiana said the government is maintaining broad international engagement to allow faster execution once the institutional framework for nuclear development is formally established.

“We continue to engage not only with Russia, but also with the United States, Canada, Japan and Korea. Communication channels must remain open,” Dadan told reporters on the sidelines of IPA Convex 2026 on Thursday.

According to Dadan, the government has not yet selected a strategic partner country for development of nuclear power infrastructure and technology.

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“They have not decided yet which partner to work with. But those communications need to be carried out so that when the organization is formed, we can move faster,” he said.

Dadan said establishment of NEPIO, which will coordinate the country’s nuclear energy program, is still awaiting the President’s approval.

“NEPIO is still waiting to be signed by the President,” he said.

The wider diplomatic outreach follows recent discussions on nuclear cooperation during bilateral meetings with Russia, although Dadan stressed the government is continuing to explore multiple partnership options rather than focusing on a single country.

The government has been studying nuclear power development as part of longer-term energy diversification plans amid rising electricity demand and efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Editing by Alexander Ginting