Institutional Restructuring: BAPETEN Submits Nuclear Energy Draft Bill to the State Secretariat

Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (“BAPETEN”) has submitted a Draft Bill amending Law No. 10 of 1997 on Nuclear Energy to the State Secretariat for further processing. The revision of the Nuclear Energy Law is intended to restructure the agency and strengthen legal certainty in the national nuclear energy sector.

“Law No. 10 is currently being submitted to the State Secretariat for the amendment process,” said Acting Head of BAPETEN Zainal Arifin.

Zainal explained that updating this overarching legislation is considered urgently needed to strengthen functions ranging from nuclear safety supervision and the management of radioactive waste to ensuring the independence of BAPETEN as a regulatory agency. This step is also crucial for resolving institutional issues and managing the nation’s nuclear material assets.

In addition to resolving past governance challenges, the amendment to the Nuclear Energy Law is projected to serve as the foundation for phased supervision leading up to the commercial operation of the first Nuclear Power Plant (“PLTN”), which is targeted to begin operations in 2032. Adjustments are also being made to ensure that regulatory standards do not overlap with the New and Renewable Energy (“EBET”) Draft Bill.