Indonesia’s Nuclear Ambitions: An Ethical Crossroad
Over the past year, Indonesia’s pursuit of nuclear energy has been scrutinized through diplomatic, cultural, and structural lenses, revealing a fundamental concern: what values are driving the nation’s nuclear decisions?
Despite exploring nuclear power since the 1950s, Indonesia’s ambitions remain clouded by concerns over governance and ethics. The potential advantages of nuclear energy can only be realized in systems where laws are enforced and corruption is minimized. Without these foundational elements, even the safest reactors pose significant public risks.
In recent years, attention has shifted to thorium-based and small modular reactors (SMRs), with projects like ThorCon’s molten salt reactor in Bangka and a partnership between PLN Indonesia Power and the US Trade and Development Agency for NuScale’s SMR. However, no US-designed SMR has reached operational status, raising questions about unproven technology choices.
The more pressing challenge is Indonesia’s institutional integrity. Corruption remains pervasive, as evidenced by Transparency International’s 2024 Index, in which Indonesia scored just 37 out of 100, ranking 99th out of 180 countries. This erodes public trust and jeopardizes safety culture within nuclear energy, which demands unwavering procedural discipline and ethical adherence.
Additionally, the financial landscape complicates matters. With the rupiah facing record lows, capital-intensive nuclear projects could fall prey to fiscal constraints, especially as the government prioritizes essential social programs.
As Indonesia advances in nuclear energy discussions, the real question transcends technology: Are the nation’s values and systems equipped to support such a high-stakes endeavor? The need for a robust ethical framework becomes increasingly clear; nuclear energy cannot thrive in a climate of uncertainty and corruption. The future of Indonesia’s nuclear aspirations hinges on institutional accountability, not merely technical capabilities.
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