• Prabowo Subianto officially become the 8th president of Indonesia, the third Indonesian president with a military background.
• The shadow of failure will already be visible in Prabowo’s first year in power because of the government’s obese coalition posture. 
• humanist approach is what the nuclear sector needs in maintaining its existence as national energy to support NZE 2060.

On October 20, 2024, Prabowo Subianto was officially sworn in by the House of Representatives to become the 8th president of Indonesia. Prabowo became the third Indonesian president with a military background after Soeharto and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). The political contestation at the time of the election highlighted Prabowo as a non-civilian figure, which then became a deep discussion.

Many criticisms started from his background related to the relationship with “Orde Baru”, human rights violations. Not only that, his military background and his vice president, Gibran, have been in the spotlight of the domestic and international public.

The same is also experienced by the nuclear sector, as in general some of the same issues are also highlighted, namely the military and defense sectors. Nuclear actually cannot escape its identity as a dangerous and destructive material. Not only is it destructive, but nuclear-related material is also a state secret with the highest classification.

Prabowo Subianto’s Election Dynamics And National Energy

Prabowo Subianto, who has a military background, was elected president of Indonesia reflecting a shift in the country’s political dynamics. With a long career in the military, Prabowo brings a strong security perspective to his leadership. This can be seen as a response to the security challenges Indonesia faces, including terrorism and regional conflicts. 

However, his background has also sparked controversy, especially in relation to his military record in the past. This creates a challenge for Prabowo to build legitimacy in the eyes of the public and the international community.

The legitimacy of this government will be well established with the resolution of important issues that can turn around domestic and international perspective points. Some other things such as social protection issues, economics, foreign policy, environment and energy transition. In this perspective, renewable energy is still stagnant and puts more policies that are considered by the public as a step to facilitate corruption, collusion and nepotism.

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If the new government immediately and completely completes the homework in the form of passing the NRE Bill, the potential for Indonesia’s energy transition efforts will be successful. But if the government still has the same mentality and bureaucracy in looking at climate issues, then Indonesia’s energy future is far from being clean. 

Not only does it bring environmental and security disasters to the country. Failure to make the transition will be a dark stain on this government in the eyes of the world. The shadow of failure will already be visible during Prabowo’s first year in power. This is not without reason, because the posture of the coalition supporting him is very obese. 

Therefore, the failure in the NRE Bill cannot be seen as the error of the Parliament alone. Rather, it is a failure of the government in this situation, as it can hinder the progress and development of the clean sector. Where this sector has entered as an indicator of investors in their business standards.

Nuclear Energy: Opportunities and Challenges

In the context of energy policy, the utilization of nuclear as a renewable energy source is a relevant issue. With great potential to provide clean and sustainable energy, nuclear could be a solution for Indonesia as it seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 

However, a key challenge is how Prabowo, as a former general, can guarantee that nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes. Moreover, it will not be misused for military purposes. This requires transparent policies and strict oversight.

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Although Indonesia’s nuclear discussion has always been on the boundary of research and energy, it still requires the ability of leaders to be able to deal with inherent issues. Namely social security, this is one of the ballast points in the nuclear discussion. With Prabowo’s background, the expected communication is not only from the firmness in making policies. 

But it can also touch the communication of civilians in conveying sensitive issues related to radioactivity, and nuclear security mitigation. This humanist approach is what the nuclear sector needs in maintaining its existence as national energy to support NZE 2060.

This is his homework on the energy sector, which requires him to do self-management by using his background and also political support (obese coalition). So that the delivery of state policies and plans focuses on content, and does not deviate from the persona that has been attached to him.

Nuclear For Peaceful Purposes In Indonesia

Indonesia has demonstrated its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Indonesia’s nuclear energy program, managed by the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), focuses on research and development as well as the utilization of nuclear energy for medical and agricultural needs. 

The existence of nuclear reactors in Serpong and Yogyakarta is concrete evidence that Indonesia seeks to utilize nuclear technology for the welfare of the people. This is a commitment and guarantee that nuclear in Indonesia will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. For the purposes of national energy, not to contribute to the country’s defense forces in the military field.

Conclusion

With his military background and experience in security management, Prabowo has the potential to steer Indonesia towards a more sustainable and peaceful use of nuclear energy. However, this success largely depends on his ability to overcome the negative stigma attached to the military and create an environment where innovation can flourish safely and responsibly. This is a challenge that requires a careful approach and collaboration with various parties, including civil society and the international community.

#zonaebt #EBTHeroes #Sebarterbarukan

Editor: Savira Oktavia

Source: 

[1] BBC News

[2] International Atomic Energy Agency

[3] BATAN

[4] World Nuclear Association