On June 30 in Jakarta, Singapore and Indonesia formalized a commitment to enhance their collaboration in the areas of nuclear security, radiation protection, and emergency preparedness. The agreement, signed between Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) and Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency, aims to strengthen ties as both nations pursue advancements in nuclear and environmental sectors. This partnership will focus on various critical aspects including radiation monitoring, regulatory frameworks, nuclear safety training, staff exchanges, research collaboration, and technical dialogues.
According to NEA Chief Executive Benjamin Koh, the agreement is an extension of the enduring cooperation between the two nations and aligns with Singapore’s ongoing evaluation of incorporating nuclear energy into its future energy strategy. Beyond electricity generation, the deal also encompasses nuclear applications in healthcare and agriculture, along with security measures to protect nuclear facilities from potential threats and harmful activities.
As Singapore prepares for a 2027 assessment by the International Atomic Energy Agency to determine its readiness for nuclear energy deployment, Indonesia, with its more established nuclear expertise, aims to achieve approximately 500 megawatts of nuclear capacity by the early 2030s. The agreement is expected to enhance regional cooperation through initiatives like the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy, facilitating information sharing and improving preparedness for possible radiological emergencies among member countries.
This nuclear cooperation agreement follows another significant environmental pact signed on June 29 between the two countries, addressing transboundary pollution, waste management, climate change, and air and water quality. These discussions also included concerns regarding the anticipated return of the El Niño climate pattern, which poses risks of haze, drought, and other environmental challenges across Southeast Asia.