Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
Danantara urges large AI data centers to secure their own energy
Indonesia’s state investment body Danantara is encouraging large data centers to provide their own energy.
The guidance is especially aimed at facilities above 500 megawatts, including those built for artificial intelligence.
Danantara says their electricity needs should be planned from the start so they do not reduce supplies for industry or households.
If a project uses electricity from the state utility PLN, its tariff should still allow PLN to make a profit.
The agency also wants data centers to use water efficiently, including by recycling it through closed-loop systems or considering treatment and desalination.
Danantara sees AI and data centers as investment opportunities that could strengthen Indonesia’s digital infrastructure and create jobs.
Some large projects may be announced or reach agreement at The New Asia Forum in Bali on December 3-4, 2026, but progress will depend on investment, infrastructure and agreements.
Danantara Indonesia is urging large data centers, especially AI facilities, to secure their own energy supply.
The guidance is aimed particularly at projects with capacity above 500 megawatts.
Danantara says large projects should not disrupt energy supplies for Indonesian industry and the public.
If a project uses electricity from the PLN grid, its tariff should allow PLN to make a profit.
Danantara also urged data center operators to use water efficiently, including through closed-loop systems, treatment or desalination.
- Who
- Danantara Indonesia, through Managing Director Danantara Investment Management Stefanus Ade Hadiwidjaja.
- What
- It urged large data center projects, especially those above 500 megawatts, to provide their own energy.
- When
- October 22, 2026. Hadiwidjaja made the remarks on Thursday.
- Where
- Wisma Danantara, Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Why
- To avoid disrupting energy supplies for industry and the public. Danantara also wants projects to account for energy and water needs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Stefanus Ade Hadiwidjaja urged large data center projects to plan for their energy needs and said projects above 500 megawatts should bring their own energy.
The New Asia Forum is scheduled to take place in Bali, where large projects could be announced or reach agreement signings.
- Capacity threshold
- Above 500 megawatts
- Energy approach
- BYOD, or Bring Your Own Energy
- Power grid
- PLN electricity may be used if the tariff allows PLN to make a profit
- Water options
- Closed-loop systems, water treatment and desalination
- Investment forum
- The New Asia Forum, Bali, December 3–4, 2026
2 sources
What people are saying
The point is, if it is a large-scale data center, for example above 500 megawatts, we call it BYOD, Bring Your Own Energy. So we also do not want to disrupt the existing energy supply in Indonesia, for industrialization and for the public.
As much as possible, we want a water treatment system and also water desalination. So, optimize water use; all investments should be carried out in the right and proper way, both for the public and the environment.