Jakarta. Indonesia’s National Energy Council (DEN) on Tuesday opened a three-day conference on small modular reactor (SMR) development in collaboration with the United States and Japan, as Jakarta explores nuclear power as part of its clean energy transition.

DEN Secretary General Dadan Kusdiana said Indonesia was strengthening international cooperation with Washington and Tokyo to develop human resource capacity and establish global-standard nuclear governance. The efforts include enhancing SMR design and regulatory frameworks, building high-tech manufacturing capabilities, and implementing strict nuclear safety and security protocols.

“Nuclear energy offers a stable, low-emission energy solution that can support long-term economic growth. With technological advances such as SMRs, nuclear development is now increasingly adaptive and relevant for developing countries,” Dadan said in a statement.

The conference is held under the US Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, a civil nuclear energy security assistance initiative led by the United States with Japan as a contributing partner.

According to the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia became the first country in the world to join the FIRST program as a beneficiary in 2019 and has since played a leading role as a regional champion for potential SMR deployment.

“Alongside Japan, the United States is honored to be the longstanding, trusted partner to Indonesia in developing safe, responsible nuclear energy,” said US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Peter Haymond. “US technology supports Indonesia’s efforts to build a safe and resilient energy future.”

The conference aims to advance the responsible development of Indonesia’s nuclear energy sector, ensuring that any future SMR projects meet the highest international standards for nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.

“Japan and the United States are among the most trusted countries in the development of SMRs, and the fact that our two countries are co-hosting this workshop together with Indonesia represents an important step in expanding trilateral cooperation to a new level,” said Japanese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mitsuru Myochin.

“As a partner, Japan hopes to contribute by sharing our experience and knowledge and continue to engage in substantive dialogue toward forward-looking cooperation, including in the nuclear field,” he added.

Key sessions covered SMR-focused regulatory frameworks, workforce development, licensing procedures, site requirements for nuclear power plants, and stakeholder engagement. Experts from the United States and Japan also presented on SMR technologies, nuclear supply chains, and opportunities for local industrial participation, offering guidance for Indonesia’s future nuclear energy initiatives.

The event included interactive discussions and breakout sessions addressing regulatory challenges, technical considerations, and workforce planning, underscoring Indonesia’s preparation to align nuclear development with its broader energy security and economic growth objectives.