Indonesia’s 1 MW TRIGA 2000 reactor in Bandung, West Java, has returned to service following a comprehensive modernization program, according to a July 16 announcement by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The facility, which had been out of operation since September 2011, now holds an operating license from the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten) valid through July 2027.
Modernization of the TRIGA 2000 Reactor
The reactor was originally commissioned in 1965 under the presidency of Sukarno. To bring the facility back online, BRIN implemented a refurbishment that upgraded the reactor building, secondary pumps, and the cooling tower. The agency also updated ventilation and cooling systems to improve operational reliability and safety, according to BRIN.
Strategic Impact on Nuclear Research and Cooperation
BRIN expects the resumption of the reactor to accelerate nuclear research and strengthen Indonesia’s capabilities in peaceful nuclear technology. The agency stated that the move is intended to expand scientific cooperation with both domestic and international partners. While Indonesia does not currently operate commercial nuclear power plants, the government has built a foundation in the field through nuclear medicine facilities, a skilled workforce, and a network of research reactors.
Indonesia’s Long-Term Nuclear Energy Plan
The return of the TRIGA 2000 reactor aligns with a broader national energy development plan to diversify power supplies. According to the IMF, Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia by GDP. To meet growing electricity demand, the government aims to commission its first nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 500 MW in the early 2030s.
Following this initial phase, the national plan outlines a significant scale-up in generation:
- 2040s: Target expansion to 7-8 GW.
- 2060s: Target expansion to 35-37 GW.
Future Implications for Energy Infrastructure
The reactivation of research facilities may serve as a precursor to the 2030s goal of commercial nuclear power. By utilizing the TRIGA 2000 for research and cooperation, Indonesia could potentially refine the technical expertise required to manage the planned transition from 500 MW to the projected 37 GW capacity by the 2060s.
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