Prabowo Subianto Seeks Nuclear Energy Collaboration with Russia in Kremlin Talks

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS– Indonesian Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto has expressed a keen interest in collaborating with Russia on nuclear energy. This was revealed during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Wednesday. 31 August 2024

The open meeting, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, saw Prabowo convey to President Putin that energy resilience would be a key focus of his administration following his official inauguration as President of Indonesia for the 2024-2029 term on October 20, 2024.

“I discussed the potential for cooperation in nuclear energy with relevant Russian institutions, particularly in the areas of modular reactors and main reactors,” Prabowo told Putin, as reported by various international news channels covering the Kremlin meeting.

Nuclear reactors are crucial components of nuclear power generation. Russia is one of the world’s leading countries in using nuclear power to meet its electricity needs.

President Putin did not provide an immediate response, as the two leaders are expected to continue their discussions in a closed-door meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 1, in a working-breakfast format. This session will delve deeper into various issues and explore potential areas of bilateral cooperation.

Indonesia currently operates three nuclear reactors, built primarily in the 1970s, which include the Kartini Reactor in Yogyakarta, the Triga 2000 Reactor in Bandung, and the G.A. Siwabessy Multipurpose Reactor in Serpong. These reactors are mainly used for educational and research purposes.

Beyond nuclear energy, Prabowo also expressed his interest in sending more Indonesian students to study in Russian universities, particularly in medical and engineering fields. He highlighted a current shortage of 160,000 doctors in Indonesia and his commitment to addressing this gap once he assumes the presidency.