Indonesia and Brazil signed eight memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in Jakarta on Thursday, witnessed by Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The agreements cover cooperation in energy, mining, science, technology, sanitation, phytosanitary standards, and statistics. Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara signed an MoU with Brazilian food giant JBS, while PLN, Pertamina, and Kadin sealed separate deals with Brazilian partners. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the two countries would collaborate on renewable energy and bioethanol development. Lula’s October 22-24 visit marked his first trip to Indonesia since 2008.

Nuclear power seen as solution to meet 2060 net-zero goal

Indonesia plans to develop nuclear power as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot announced at the Bapeten Executive Meeting on October 27. He said nuclear energy is now considered a “strategic option” for national energy security, no longer a last resort. The government targets its first nuclear plant by 2032 and 44 GW of capacity by 2060. Nuclear is expected to make up 5% of the energy mix by 2030 and 11% by 2060. Yuliot stressed public safety and strong oversight amid high costs and construction challenges.

Indonesia to deploy AI for real-time customs oversight

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced plans to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system to enhance real-time monitoring of customs and excise operations. Following a surprise inspection on Wednesday, he said the current system remains insufficient to detect violations like under-invoicing. Within three months, a more advanced AI platform will be built to strengthen oversight and curb illegal trade. Sadewa also aims to transform the National Single Window agency into an IT-based intelligence center for export-import monitoring. He said the integration of AI across ministry databases will improve efficiency, transparency, and state revenue collection.

New regulation eyes stronger protections for ojol drivers 

Indonesia’s upcoming presidential regulation on app-based motorcycle taxis (ojol) will prioritise driver protection, Manpower Minister Yassierli said on Tuesday. Speaking in Jakarta, he emphasised that the ministry’s main concern is ensuring drivers’ access to social security, including workplace accident and death insurance. The regulation aims to promote transparency and fairness between drivers and ride-hailing companies. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said discussions are in the final stage, with only minor technical issues remaining. The government targets completion of the regulation by year-end, following President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to strengthen driver welfare.

Indonesia’s free meals program reaches 39.2 million beneficiaries

Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has provided meals to 39.2 million people nationwide, with spending reaching Rp35 trillion (US$2.1 billion), the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) said. BGN chief Dadan Hindayana reported that 13,347 kitchens, known as Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units, are now operating across the country. The government expects to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries by year-end. A new presidential regulation will establish the MBG Coordination Team, led by Food Minister Zulkifli Hasan, to oversee implementation and governance. Launched in January, the MBG program is a key initiative of President Prabowo Subianto to boost national nutrition.

With another referendum off the table for at least two years, questions now turn to what role nuclear power could play in import-dependent Taiwan, an island still grappling with the threat of a Chinese blockade.

For nuclear energy researcher Suleyman Turkes, the way forward lies in international partnerships.

“The way forward for Taiwan should start with cooperation, agreements on SMR (small modular reactor) technology, and Generation III reactors with big international companies, like the United States, France, South Korea, and Japan,” said Turkes, who studies nuclear energy and energy policies at Turkey’s Academic Research Institute (Akademik Araştırma Enstitüsü).

“This partnership will bring not only reactors, but also the transfer of safety culture and operational standards,” he told Global South World . 

Turkes outlined a three-step roadmap he believes could guide Taiwan’s nuclear future: first, revive decommissioned reactors; second, work with foreign partners to build new plants; and third, develop local expertise to design Taiwan’s own next-generation reactors.

He noted that jointly built facilities could be completed faster, a key advantage if Taiwan decides to quickly scale back on energy imports, which currently shoulder roughly 98% of its consumption. 

In the meantime, he suggested reviving Maanshan and other previously decommissioned reactors to serve as a “bridge” between old and new facilities for up to two more decades.

Over the longer term, Turkes said Taiwan must invest in its own academic institutions and researchers to sustain nuclear capacity.

“Taiwan must also think of its own capacity, its own nuclear know-how,” he said. “Because if you only use foreign technology, maybe you solve today's problem, but not tomorrow’s.”

“Universities should expand their nuclear program, and new research and development centres must come. Young engineers should also join international projects,” he added.

Although critics argue that nuclear power only contributes around 5% of Taiwan’s energy mix, Turkes said the impact of completely abandoning it would go far beyond that figure.

“That 5% share from nuclear will not only be replaced by fossil fuels, but it can only be replaced by imported fossil fuels. And this means Taiwan will move away from net zero, more exposed to global price change, and under more political pressure from suppliers,” he said.

“Losing nuclear is just not losing 5%. It's losing competitiveness, losing stability, losing also the credibility of climate commitments.”

While recognising Taiwan’s potential to expand renewable energy such as solar and wind, Turkes stressed that these could only operate at a supporting capacity due to storage and reliability issues.

Nuclear, he argued, can deliver the same output with far greater stability.

“The best way for Taiwan's energy security is nuclear,” he said. “Nuclear not only reduces fossil dependence, it's the backbone of the system.”

Saturday’s outcome effectively seals the phaseout of nuclear power on the island, once a cornerstone of its electricity mix, and fulfils the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s pledge to create a “nuclear-free homeland.” 

What happens next remains uncertain. For some analysts, the strong but insufficient support for nuclear power could prompt policymakers to rethink their hardline stance.

“The result sends a very strong signal to the government that more Taiwanese people, in fact, are not in favour of the government's current stance of completely ruling out nuclear power as one of the sources of energy for Taiwan,” William Hao-Wei Yang, a Taiwanese analyst with the International Crisis Group, told Global South World .

“This result has already pushed the government to come out and positively respond to the more than 4.3 million Taiwanese people's votes,” he added. “I believe that this could lead to further reconsideration for the ruling party regarding its longstanding opposition to nuclear power.”

Turnout, more than the arguments from the anti-nuclear camp, proved decisive in the referendum. Only about a quarter of Taiwan’s nearly 20 million eligible voters cast their ballots, leading to the sub-threshold result.

Yang argues that limited public engagement stemmed from poor communication and a lack of emphasis from political leaders.

“This issue hasn't really been the defining topic that has mobilised a large number of Taiwanese people to come out and participate in voting,” he said. “Neither the opposition parties nor the ruling party has put enough emphasis on this particular topic.”

“This remains an issue that needs more public discussion and perhaps more, you know, grassroots level public education so that Taiwanese people have a broader understanding about where they might want to stand on this particular issue going forward,” he added. 

Nuclear not gone for good

Doing away with nuclear power has long been a signature promise of the Democratic Progressive Party, giving the August referendum undeniable political undertones.

“In Taiwan, relevant conversations oftentimes become too politicised, and that overshadows the necessary scientific factors and elements that should be included in the discussion and debate," Yang said.

While the outcome bolstered the party’s credibility in pursuing its “nuclear-free homeland” policy, it also exposed growing unease with its uncompromising stance, according to Yang.

“(Saturday’s) outcome means more than just their energy policy,” he said. “(It reflects the) public's discontent with the approach that the ruling party has adopted since President Lai Ching-te came to power in May 2024,” 

“I think we might in fact see a fundamental shift — or at least an adjustment — from the ruling party when it comes to their policies on energy,” he added. “It could set off a re-evaluation within the ruling party about the validity of its political slogan (nuclear-free homeland).”

After the vote, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a staunch opponent of nuclear power, acknowledged what he called “society’s expectations for diverse energy options.”

"If in the future, the technology becomes safer, nuclear waste is reduced, and societal acceptance increases, we will not rule out advanced nuclear energy," he told reporters on Saturday.

That tentative opening could leave a path forward for nuclear power in Taiwan, Yang noted.

“Based on the consensus and the government's positive response to the outcome, it could probably help find that path for civil society, but also Taiwan as a whole, to move forward when it comes to resolving the current dilemma that Taiwan faces when it comes to improving energy resilienc in a scientific and safe way,” the analyst said.

A path forward

Debates over nuclear power in Taiwan have largely focused on health concerns, energy security, and the economy, and arguments for nuclear power have mostly centred on restarting decades-old plants . 

Pro-nuclear groups often point to Taiwan’s reliance on imports for about 98% of its energy, a vulnerability for the world’s leading semiconductor maker. Before its shutdown, nuclear power provided about 5.3% of the island’s electricity supply.

Yang warned that without a serious policy rethink, this dependence will persist.

“Before the government really adjusts its energy policy and makes a public commitment to pursue advanced nuclear-based energy solutions, Taiwan, unfortunately, will continue to have to rely on 98% of its energy imported from abroad,” he said. 

Yang also underscored the need for a more nuanced approach to Taiwan’s energy problems.

“At this point, the majority of the Taiwanese public's understanding about different types of nuclear energy solutions remains very limited, and that is not going to help push relevant conversations forward,” he said. 

“The government will have to genuinely consider taking the initiative to organise nationwide local-level information sessions to raise public awareness about relevant issues, and then that can lead to a better-informed public and also a better-informed policymaking process.” 

While Saturday’s referendum failed to overturn the standing nuclear-free homeland policy, Yang believes it could mark the beginning of a broader discussion in Taiwan. 

“I think it will accelerate the domestic discussion, and it really sends a sense of urgency that will push politicians, both the government but also lawmakers in the parliament, to try to come together and determine a path forward for maintaining Taiwan's energy resilience and at the same time ensuring its ability to provide a stable energy supply.”

“What I see from the majority of people is [that this issue is] primarily a health concern,” Ouillet, a radio show host and documentarist, said. “A lot of people who oppose nuclear power are afraid precisely of the adverse effect it would have on health, even without a disaster.” 

Maanshan’s second reactor was shut down in May 2025, four decades after it began operating in 1985. Its first reactor was turned off in 2024 under the “nuclear-free homeland” policy announced by the Democratic Progressive Party in 2016.

Studies on nuclear power and health outcomes remain mixed.

A National Library of Medicine-published study covering 175 nuclear power plants in 17 countries found differing cancer risks between workers and nearby residents. 

Data from more than 480,000 workers and 7.5 million residents showed workers had lower overall cancer risk but higher rates of mesothelioma – a rare type of cancer —while residents faced increased risks of all cancers, thyroid cancer, and leukaemia. 

A Taiwan-specific study , also published in the National Library of Medicine, found no significant differences in leukaemia, thyroid, lung, or breast cancers among populations living near nuclear plants. 

Cervical cancer rates were higher in plant-vicinity areas, though researchers said this was not consistently tied to plant operations.

Still, even the suggestion of health risks is enough to fuel voter anxiety, Oeuillet said.

“The mere possibility that maybe nuclear can be adverse to their health is immediately something that creates a very big reaction, perhaps even more than other countries, he added. “This country is specifically concerned about the quality of health, so anything that can touch health immediately creates a strong reaction.”

China factor ‘overblown’

The referendum comes as tensions with China escalate and the year 2027 approaches — a date U.S. military officials have warned could mark Beijing’s deadline for “reunifying” with the self-ruled island. 

Some analysts argue that abandoning nuclear energy could increase Taiwan’s vulnerability to a Chinese invasion by making its power supply more fragile and incapable of surviving a military blockade.

But Oeuillet said the China angle is exaggerated, especially in foreign coverage, and does not reflect how the Taiwanese view the issue.

“We have to be careful about what is said outside of Taiwan and the way people feel inside Taiwan,” he said. 

“[China] has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with this, but it has become difficult to talk about Taiwan without necessarily putting this in the equation,” he added. “The vast majority of people absolutely do not have China in mind when they decide whether they want nuclear power or not.”

According to the International Energy Agency, only 5.3% of Taiwan’s electricity currently comes from nuclear power. Fossil fuels remain the most dominant power source, with coal providing 34.6% and oil 34.2%.

While the referendum is significant, Oeuillet said it would not fundamentally impact Taiwan’s energy landscape.

“It is important enough to discuss it, to decide whether we want it or not, but it's not going to be a revolution,” he said.

“The question is, more or less, the same as any other country — is nuclear efficient or is it dangerous, with the added risk of this place being prone to earthquakes and typhoons. But otherwise the same debate could exist in Japan, in Europe, in America, or in any country where nuclear power is a possibility.”

Nuclear-free 2025?

Voters will be asked on Saturday whether they agree that the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operation upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.

For the proposal to pass, "agree" votes must exceed "disagree" votes and make up at least one-quarter of Taiwan’s 5 million eligible voters. If rejected, the same question cannot be raised again for two years.

If the referendum succeeds in ending Maanshan’s operations, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party will also achieve its long-stated goal of creating a “nuclear-free homeland” by 2025

Regardless of the outcome, Oeuillet expects strong participation.

“People like to vote in this country, really. People really like to debate and to argue on topics.”

"Iran's nuclear technology is in the minds of our scientists—it cannot be bombed," Araghchi said. He also emphasized that Iran’s nuclear facilities are dispersed and well-protected.

Addressing concerns over regional conflict, Araghchi accused Israel of seeking to draw the U.S. into war.

"If an attack happens, it could ignite a widespread fire in the region. This is precisely Israel’s plan to entangle America in a war, where it is extremely vulnerable," he warned in an exclusive interview with the AFP.

Regarding Syria, Araghchi stated that Iran is closely monitoring the situation and remains open to diplomatic engagement, emphasising the need for the right conditions.

“We need nuclear energy,” Nduhungirehe said in an interview with AFP, emphasizing the importance of nuclear power in Rwanda's future energy plans.

Rwanda, a landlocked country with a population of around 13 million, currently generates about half of its electricity from thermal sources, 44 per cent from hydroelectric power, and just four per cent from solar.

With demand for energy increasing, Rwanda sees nuclear power as an essential part of its strategy to diversify its energy sources and increase supply.

Russia, seeking to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with African nations, is offering its expertise in nuclear technology as part of its outreach efforts.

According to Nduhungirehe, Rwanda has already benefited from training hundreds of students in Russian universities, including those specializing in nuclear science.

The collaboration between Rwanda and Russia in nuclear energy dates back to 2019, when Russia’s state-run nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, signed an agreement to assist in building nuclear power plants in Rwanda.

As of May 2024, the World Nuclear Association reported that Nuclear power supplies roughly 10% of global electricity via approximately 440 operational power reactors. It also contributes to nearly a quarter of the world's electricity with low carbon emissions.

However, there are several countries where nuclear energy is not just a part of the energy mix but a dominant force. Here is a list of countries based on data provided by Ember and Energy Institute:

France

France has the highest dependence on nuclear energy, with 65% of its electricity coming from nuclear power plants. It has a large nuclear power programme and is home to some of the oldest and most prominent nuclear power plants worldwide.

Slovakia

Slovakia relies heavily on nuclear energy, with 62% of its electricity generated from nuclear power plants. The country has four operational nuclear reactors, with two more under construction.

Ukraine

Ukraine relies heavily on nuclear energy, with 55% of its electricity generated from nuclear power plants. The country has 15 operational nuclear reactors, with more under construction.

Hungary

Hungary's dependence on nuclear energy stands at 44%. The Paks Nuclear Power Plant is the country's only nuclear power plant but is being expanded to increase its capacity.

Finland

Finland's dependence on nuclear energy stands at 42%. The country has four operational nuclear reactors, with a fifth under construction.

Belgium

Belgium's dependence on nuclear energy stands at 41%. The country has three operational nuclear power plants, which are scheduled to be shut down by 2025 to diminish dependency levels.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic's dependence on nuclear energy stands at 40%. The country has six operational nuclear reactors, with two more under construction.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station , located in Niigata on Japan’s main island Honshu, spans Kashiwazaki City and Kariwa Village. The site comprises seven power-generating units with a total output of 8.212 million kW.

The reactivation of the seventh unit is part of a broader effort to bring five reactors nationwide back online by 2025. However, this pace remains below government targets, which aim for nuclear energy to constitute about a fifth of the power mix by 2030, according to the analysts.

"The current schedule would require Japan to nearly double its active nuclear capacity between the end of 2025 and 2030," noted O’Neil and Kim. They added, "The shortfall left by delays in the nuclear restart program will largely be met by gas generation."

According to their projections, there would be an 11% monthly average fall in power prices in 2024 compared to the previous year attributed to a combination of low demand and higher supply from nuclear restarts as well as additional wind and solar generation.

This will mark the first time Tepco operates a nuclear reactor under the stringent safety regulations instituted after the catastrophic meltdowns at its Fukushima Dai-Ichi facility in 2011, Bloomberg reports.

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, the power supply and cooling systems of three Fukushima Daiichi reactors were disabled, leading to a nuclear disaster .

The incident, rated level 7 on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale, resulted in extensive radioactive releases over several days. While there were no deaths or cases of radiation sickness directly attributed to the accident, over 100,000 people were evacuated as a precautionary measure.­

The Agency will require Sh3 billion ($22 million) and Sh8 billion ($60 million) in 2026 and 2027 respectively for the project which will be constructed at Konza Technopolis on 65 acres of land.

“The main utilisations envisaged include: enhancing national research and development capabilities and intergovernmental collaborations; improving and encouraging industrial competitiveness; enhancing material structure study for various applications; quality in material design and manufacturing; production of radioisotopes for medical and industrial applications; improving calibration and testing services for industrial and medical instruments; and education and training of students and staff of various institutions,” NuPEA was quoted by Businessdailyafrica .

This is expected to be the largest project for NuPEA.

The project was inspired by a review of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during a nine-day mission where it was concluded that the country has made “significant progress” in the development of the national nuclear infrastructure for the country’s new research reactor programme.

The project is expected to commence in 2026 and will be commissioned between 2030 and 2034.

Research reactors are nuclear reactors used for research, education, and training.

Indians who worked as support staff to the Russian Army were discharged following India's demand, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported on February 26. Many Indians have reportedly been employed by the Russian military as security assistants, and in some instances, they have even been forced to engage in combat alongside Russian soldiers near Russia's border with Ukraine, The Hindu reports. The MEA stated that the Asian nation remains committed to pursuing all cases of Indian nationals seeking early discharge from the Russian Army. "Each and every such case brought to the attention of the Indian embassy in Moscow has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities and those brought to the attention of the Ministry have been taken up with the Russian embassy in New Delhi," the MEA said in a statement.

Imposed curfew

A curfew has been imposed in a town called Ambad taluka, in India’s Maharashtra, a state in the western peninsular region of India due to law and order concerns over Indian activist Manoj Jarange-Patil's Maratha reservation agitation. According to Hindustan Times , the order states that Jarange plans to travel to Mumbai to protest, potentially leading to traffic disruptions on the Dhule-Mumbai highway. Government offices, schools, national highways, milk distribution, media outlets, and hospitals are exempt from the curfew, Hindustan Times reports.

Inauguration of iOS development lab

Apple has opened an iOS Development Lab at Galgotias University in Delhi, aiming to nurture the next generation of iOS developers. Apple Senior Vice President Greg Joswiak announced the news on his X (formerly Twitter) account on February 20. “Today marked the grand opening of the iOS Development Lab at Galgotia University in Delhi. I loved meeting with the next generation of iOS developers and seeing the lab outfitted with 100 iMacs,” the Apple senior VP said. The initiative, which is part of the TWITCH collaboration, provides students with hands-on learning opportunities and access to Apple's learning materials and industry best practices. Hindustan Times quotes Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University to have said, “The learnings from the iOS Development Centre will have a far-reaching impact well beyond the boundaries of the centre, specifically in the teaching-learning pedagogy of the entire university.”

Teachers booked over students' suicide

Two teachers of a government-aided school have been charged with the suicide of a student, who was found hanging at home after being subjected to physical and mental torture, Press Trust of India reports. The student took his life on the evening of February 15 at home, according to the victim's relatives, after certain school teachers had physically and mentally tormented him. According to the Press Trust of India, the teachers were charged under sections of the country’s law for voluntarily inflicting hurt and the Juvenile Justice Act which is non-bailable.

Addition of 18 nuclear power reactors

India plans to add 18 more nuclear power reactors, generating 13,800 MWe of electricity by 2031-2032, increasing its share of atomic power in the energy mix to 22,480 MWe. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) announced the move after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 22, dedicated two reactors at the Asian nation’s Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat, a state along the western coast of India, Indian Express reports. “These reactors have been designed, constructed, commissioned, and operated by NPCIL, with the supply of equipment and execution of contracts by Indian industries/ companies, reflecting the true spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the NPCIL said.

Grossi emphasized the need to recreate a dialogue mechanism with Iran.

"Somehow the dialogue system with Iran needs to be recreated... People may not look at (Iran's nuclear ambitions), but there is a problem,” Grossi said.

The recent war in Gaza has also disrupted the United States' efforts to ease tensions with Iran and address the nuclear crisis.

While a prisoner exchange and release of $6 billion in Iranian oil money were achieved in September, the broader efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) have faced challenges.

Grossi proposed a shift in strategy, suggesting that instead of attempting to revive the 2015 JCPOA, a new dialogue system with Iran should be established to address the evolving conditions.

"Trying to return the nuclear deal to the framework of the JCPOA will not work. You can still call it the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but in response to the new conditions, it should be JCPOA 2 or something similar."

Highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Iran's nuclear program, Grossi called for countries to "sit down and re-engage."

Iran has increased its nuclear activities since the United States' withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and the subsequent imposition of extensive sanctions. While Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, US officials express concerns about its capacity to produce "fissile material" for a nuclear weapon within two weeks.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's access to Iran's nuclear program has been limited since the collapse of the JCPOA, raising concerns about transparency.

Grossi urged a renewed focus on diplomatic efforts to address the evolving challenges posed by Iran's nuclear activities.