Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, recently made an impactful statement during an exclusive interview in Jakarta. He shared Canada’s eagerness to assist Indonesia in developing nuclear energy as a strategic solution to combat climate change. With a wealth of experience and expertise in nuclear resources, Canada aims to support Indonesia in navigating the complexities of nuclear energy development.
During the interview with ANTARA, Minister Hussen highlighted the significance of Indonesia’s initiative to explore nuclear power as a sustainable energy option amidst growing energy demands and environmental concerns. Recognizing that Indonesia is in the early stages of nuclear resource development, Canada stands ready to provide guidance on establishing a robust nuclear energy ecosystem, regulatory framework, and securing necessary funding.
It is crucial to understand that the process of developing nuclear resources involves various facets beyond technology. Minister Hussen emphasized the importance of addressing financial, technical, and regulatory aspects to ensure a successful implementation of nuclear energy projects. Cooperation between countries plays a pivotal role in advancing nuclear technology and fostering sustainable energy practices.
Strengthening Collaboration for Sustainable Energy Solutions
The Canadian government’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s nuclear energy aspirations extends beyond bilateral cooperation. In line with their efforts to promote climate mitigation and reduce emissions, Canada is exploring avenues to assist other ASEAN countries in harnessing nuclear resources to meet their energy needs sustainably.
At the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit held in October 2024, discussions between Indonesian and Canadian delegates centered around the potential collaboration in developing small modular reactors (SMRs) as a cost-effective and safe nuclear energy source. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s expressed interest in sharing Canada’s knowledge and expertise in nuclear energy with ASEAN nations underscores the importance of international partnerships in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Driving Innovation Through Research and Development
An essential milestone in the collaboration between Indonesia and Canada in nuclear technology was marked by the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) between the Indonesian Nuclear Energy Research Organization of the National Research and Innovation Agency (ORTN BRIN) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). This landmark agreement, signed in December 2024, signifies a commitment to joint research and development efforts in nuclear technology.
Head of ORTN BRIN, Syaiful Bakhri, emphasized that the collaboration focuses on enhancing human resource capacities in nuclear technology through knowledge exchange programs and research initiatives. By facilitating exchanges and visits by researchers and students, Indonesia and Canada aim to foster innovation and expertise in the field of nuclear energy.
As nations worldwide strive to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, collaborations like the one between Indonesia and Canada play a crucial role in driving innovation and addressing global energy challenges. The exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable future powered by nuclear energy.
This article highlights the significance of international cooperation in advancing nuclear energy development and underscores the importance of leveraging expertise and resources across borders to address pressing environmental concerns. As Indonesia and Canada forge ahead in their collaborative efforts, the potential for transformative advancements in sustainable energy solutions becomes increasingly promising.
