Jakarta. Canada and Russia are some of the countries that have expressed interest in developing nuclear power plants in Indonesia, according to Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. 

Bahlil recently claimed that up to five countries were looking to take part in Indonesia’s push to cut its emissions by using nuclear power. However, the minister did not go into details on who the other three countries were. 

“About four or five countries have expressed interest in developing Indonesian nuclear energy. … We are still reviewing the proposals,” Bahlil told reporters in Jakarta on Monday.

He also admitted that the government had met with Russian and Canadian representatives to discuss the plan. 

His aide Jisman P Hutajulu not long ago said that public acceptance, regulations, and advanced technologies were necessary for nuclear power development to progress. “The latest national energy policy document, which has gained the lawmakers’ approval, also considers nuclear as an energy balancer,” Jisman said. 

The state-run electricity PLN is planning to set up two 250-megawatt nuclear plants by 2034. 

Jisman highlighted that Indonesia should not rush with the nuclear power generation, as it was something that would require well-thought regulation and the establishment of a body that oversees the program. Jisman also said that Indonesia should ensure the involvement of government-run enterprises so nuclear power development would remain under state control.