RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is positioning itself at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation in Southeast Asia, hosting a three-day conference on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in Jakarta from March 3-5, 2026.

The event, organized by the National Energy Council (DEN) in collaboration with the United States and Japan, underscores Indonesia’s ambition to develop safe, low-emission energy solutions while strengthening international partnerships.

DEN Secretary-General Dadan Kusdiana highlighted that nuclear energy, particularly through SMR technology, offers a stable and low-carbon alternative to support long-term economic growth.

“With technological advances such as SMR, nuclear development is becoming more adaptive and relevant for developing countries,” he said, as quoted by Antara, stressing the importance of global-standard governance and human resource capacity building.

The cooperation with the U.S. and Japan covers a wide spectrum: strengthening reactor design and regulatory frameworks, enhancing high-tech manufacturing capabilities, and implementing strict nuclear safety and security protocols.

Dadan emphasized that these measures are essential to ensure Indonesia’s nuclear sector develops responsibly and in line with international standards.

Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim of the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Peter M. Haymond, reaffirmed America’s support for Indonesia’s energy future. “Together with Japan, the United States is honored to be a trusted long-term partner for Indonesia in developing safe and responsible nuclear energy,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim of the Japanese Embassy, Mitsuru Myochin, noted that Japan and the U.S. are among the most reliable countries in SMR development. He described the Jakarta conference as a pivotal step in elevating trilateral cooperation.

“Japan hopes to contribute by sharing our experience and knowledge, and to remain engaged in substantive dialogue toward forward-looking cooperation, including in nuclear energy,” he added.

The conference is part of the U.S. State Department’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, with Japan as a contributing partner. Indonesia became the first country to join the program in 2019, marking its role as a regional pioneer in exploring SMR applications.

By convening policymakers, industry leaders, and international partners, the Jakarta conference aims to ensure that future SMR projects in Indonesia meet the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation.

It also reinforces bilateral and trilateral cooperation, encourages public-private partnerships, and highlights the role of U.S. and Japanese nuclear industries in supporting Indonesia’s energy transition. ***