China's "Artificial Sun" project, officially known as the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), aims to replicate the natural nuclear fusion process of the sun. The goal is to generate a clean energy source with zero carbon emissions and no long-term radioactive waste. In January 2025, EAST made history by sustaining plasma at a temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,066 seconds—a world record driven by a heating system twice as powerful as its predecessor. By June 2026, China achieved 100 percent localization of its core technology with the completion of a massive 580-ton superconducting magnet. This magnet confines the plasma within a vacuum chamber, ensuring a stable fusion reaction. While this milestone is considered to cover "80 percent of the journey," scientists still face the challenges of component integration and long-term operational stability tests under extreme conditions to meet the target of generating the first electricity from nuclear fusion by 2030.
Interested in Following the Footsteps of EAST Project Researchers?
Let’s get to know the Nuclear Science and Engineering major! This field focuses on harnessing nuclear energy to generate sustainable, carbon-free electricity, developing medical isotopes, and protecting the public from radiation hazards. The program blends a rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on experience to prepare students to become leaders in the clean energy sector and nuclear technology innovation.
The Indonesian government, through the National Energy Council (DEN) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), aims to have Indonesia's first commercial Nuclear Power Plant (PLTN) operational between 2032 and 2034. Indonesia is actively exploring Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, which is considered more adaptive, efficient, and equipped with ultra-high, next-generation (Generation IV) safety features.
To realize this ambition, Indonesia is not working alone. Strategic steps are underway through global collaborations with the United States and Japan. Furthermore, the government is finalizing the establishment of NEPIO (Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization)—a non-structural body recommended by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) to command and oversee the implementation of the national nuclear power program.
Consequently, Indonesia is in high demand for young talent to specialize in Nuclear Technology.
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