Indonesia and Russia are deepening their collaboration in the energy sector, focusing on a wide range of initiatives from traditional oil and gas to cutting-edge nuclear technology. These discussions took center stage during the 14th Indonesia–Russia Joint Commission Session held in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday (May 12).
As part of the ongoing dialogue, the Indonesian delegation—led by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Yuliot—highlighted key energy priorities. According to an official statement, the discussions covered critical topics such as the procurement of oil, the development of oil and gas fields, and the progress of the Grass Root Refinery (GRR) Tuban project. Furthermore, both nations explored potential opportunities in liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and renewable energy development.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the potential for peaceful nuclear energy cooperation. “This includes plans for the development of small modular nuclear power plants,” Yuliot stated. He emphasized that these collaborations are vital for supporting Indonesia’s national energy security and facilitating a smoother transition toward cleaner energy sources.
The push for nuclear power is central to Indonesia’s long-term infrastructure strategy. Under the 2025–2034 General Plan for Electricity Supply (RUPTL), the government has set an ambitious target to add two nuclear power plant units with a combined capacity of 500 MW to the national grid. This roadmap aligns with the country’s broader commitment to strengthening both fuel and electricity resilience.
The bilateral momentum was further underscored by a high-level meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, where President Prabowo Subianto hosted Alexey Likhachev, the Director General of the Russian state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom. Their discussion centered on the peaceful use of nuclear technology, covering everything from power plant infrastructure and human resource training to non-energy applications of nuclear science.
Likhachev noted that the collaboration aims to transcend mere technology transfer. “We are focusing on building a long-term partnership that fosters new industries, develops human capital, builds new competencies, and strengthens the country’s technological sovereignty,” Likhachev stated in a Rosatom press release. By combining Russian expertise with Indonesia’s growing energy needs, both nations are looking to forge a sustainable and technologically advanced energy future.
Summary
Indonesia and Russia have strengthened their strategic partnership in the energy sector during the 14th Indonesia–Russia Joint Commission Session in Kazan. The collaboration focuses on enhancing traditional oil and gas infrastructure, including refinery projects and the procurement of fuel, while exploring new opportunities in renewable energy. These efforts are designed to bolster Indonesia’s national energy security and support a sustainable transition to cleaner power sources.
A central component of this cooperation is the development of peaceful nuclear energy, with specific plans for small modular nuclear power plants to meet long-term electricity targets. Through engagement with Russia’s state-owned corporation, Rosatom, Indonesia aims to expand its nuclear infrastructure, human resource training, and technological capabilities. This partnership seeks to move beyond basic technology transfer to foster industrial growth and long-term energy sovereignty for the nation.
