Cooperation between Indonesia and Rosatom is developing across all fronts, from business to social and cultural initiatives. Russian and Indonesian professionals took part in the ASEAN Energy Business Forum held in Malaysia, discussing the role of nuclear power in regional energy development. An Indonesian team was among the winners of an international fishing tournament organized by Rosatom.
At the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2025 held in October in Kuala Lumpur, Rosatom and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) co-organized a joint plenary session titled “The Role of Nuclear Energy in the Energy Transition of ASEAN Countries.” Representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, and international organizations discussed the implementation of national nuclear programs.
“Current nuclear technologies enabling us to build both large nuclear power plants and small modular reactors, whether land-based or floating, can be a suitable solution for ASEAN countries. They can bring significant benefits while stimulating the growth of local industry and science,” said Andrey Nikipelov, Rosatom’s Deputy Director General for Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Solutions, during his speech at the session. Floating power units are well-suited for coastal and island nations as a first step towards establishing national nuclear industries and comprehensive integration of nuclear power into the energy mix because they can be placed offshore or near existing port infrastructure, he explained.
As part of the forum, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the ASEAN Centre for Energy and Rosatom International Network (RIN). The document provides for the expansion of bilateral cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy by raising public awareness about nuclear technologies, developing scientific potential and human resources, improving infrastructure, and conducting research.
Rosatom’s exhibition booth showcasing nuclear energy solutions relevant to Southeast Asia was highly popular among forum delegates. A model of a Russian-designed floating power unit attracted particular interest from visitors.
An Indonesian team secured second place in the international fishing tournament organized by Rosatom. The competition was held in Türkiye, near the Akkuyu NPP, the first nuclear power plant being built in the country. The tournament featured 14 amateur anglers from seven of Rosatom’s partner countries, which are either working on or planning nuclear energy projects, as well as journalists and representatives of the expert community.
The tournament winner was a team from Hungary, with a catch weighing 6.9 kilograms. Indonesian anglers Aiptu Hamzah Basri and Mulyadi Umar from Kendari (the province of Southeast Sulawesi) caught 6.5 kg of fish, earning the silver medal. The Egyptian team took third place (4.7 kilograms).
“This tournament shows that nuclear technology can go hand in hand with environmental protection. The main idea is the safety and sustainability of ecosystems,” angler Mulyadi Umar said.
When weighing the catch, radiation control experts from Akkuyu Nuclear JSC checked the caught fish for radiation using specialized equipment and confirmed it was totally safe.
“This international fishing tournament is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our careful attitude towards nature when building large nuclear energy facilities. It is important that representatives of partner countries see with their own eyes our responsible approach to preserving ecosystems. The tournament also shows that the infrastructure surrounding a nuclear power station transforms the region into a comfortable place for living, recreation, and tourism, creating new opportunities for several generations of local residents,” noted Alexandra Yustus, Deputy CEO for Communications at Rosatom International Network.
Following the tournament, the contestants visited the under-construction Akkuyu NPP. The guests toured the Eastern sea cargo terminal and an operating staff training center, and talked to Turkish engineers.
The above is a testament to the fact that Rosatom and its Indonesian partners are expanding their collaboration across many areas. These are steps towards discussing specific energy projects at the official level, and an open dialogue and promotion of knowledge about nuclear energy at the public level.
Photo by: Rosatom International Network, Akkuyu Nuclear JSC
