Data centres can be a blessing when their growth is prepared for with\nreliable infrastructure, responsible resource use and open economic\nopportunities.<\/p>\n
Jakarta (ANTARA) \u2014 In a column in Kompas on 15 October 2026, Andreas\nMaryoto raised a reflective question about the arrival of data centres:\nare they a blessing or a misfortune?<\/p>\n
The question is relevant to Batam, where opportunities for digital\ninvestment are expanding alongside public concern about water services,\nelectricity reliability and employment opportunities.<\/p>\n
When services are disrupted, people need prompt action and\ntransparent explanations. It is reasonable to ask whether Batam\u2019s\ninfrastructure can support residents\u2019 needs while also driving\nindustrial growth, and whether high-tech investment will genuinely\nimprove people\u2019s well-being. These questions should guide efforts to\nimprove the quality of development.<\/p>\n
Batam\u2019s proximity to Singapore, its industrial zones and its\ninternational connectivity give it opportunities to develop cloud\nservices, artificial intelligence and the digital economy. These\nopportunities should be welcomed with a commensurate level of\npreparedness. Significant capital inflows must go hand in hand with\nreliable infrastructure, quality services and economic benefits for the\ncommunity.<\/p>\n
By the end of August 2026, BP Batam\u2019s mapping had identified nine\ndata-centre entities with 10 campuses or project sites, at the planning,\nconstruction or phased-operation stages. These statuses need to be\nclearly explained, as investment plans, commitments, construction and\noperations entail different utility requirements.<\/p>\n
Transparency also requires clarity about the scope of the data.\nDifferences in the number of entities, project sites and electricity\ncustomers often arise from different recording bases. A comprehensive\nexplanation of these differences is essential to help the public\nunderstand investment dynamics and prevent planned capacity from being\nmistaken for facilities already fully operational.<\/p>\n
Investment information should therefore be linked to electricity and\nwater planning. Requirements should be calculated according to\nconstruction and operational schedules so that additional capacity can\nbe prepared in time. This would give investment promotion a measurable\nand accountable basis in actual preparedness.<\/p>\n
In PLN Batam\u2019s projections for 2026\u20132035, available generating\ncapacity is planned to rise from around 970 MW in 2026 to 3,691 MW in\n2035. Electricity demand from data-centre customers is forecast to\nincrease from 89 MW in 2026 to 1,150 MW from 2031, in line with the\nfacilities\u2019 development phases.<\/p>\n
PLN Batam has also mapped 17 data-centre customers, 10 of which have\npower-delivery schedules classified as commitments. The figures show\ndemand that must be anticipated and underline the importance of\nsynchronising confirmed demand, financing, power-plant construction and\ngrid readiness.<\/p>\n
Projections, however, remain plans that must be monitored. For\nresidents and businesses, electricity resilience is measured by\ncontinuity of service. Generating capacity needs to be supported by\noperational reserves, transmission and distribution networks, and the\nability to restore service after disruptions. Increased supply must\ntranslate into greater reliability for all customers.<\/p>\n
The development of sustainable energy also presents opportunities.\nPLN Batam has mapped potential solar power projects totalling around\n2,500 MWp, including in Rempang, Duriangkang, Pulau Lumba and Piayu. The\nprojects are at different stages of readiness. Their potential should be\ndeveloped with due regard to the characteristics of solar generation and\nthe power system\u2019s reliability requirements.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/data-centres-and-batams-future-1792201852", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }