AHY Warns Data Centres Not to Compete with Residents for Water

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has warned that the high water consumption of the data centre industry must not disrupt the supply of clean water to the public.

AHY said the industry’s significant operational water needs must be anticipated carefully to prevent competition with household consumption.

“Data centres are being developed now, but this must not result in people who should be supplied with clean water having to compete with data centres. That is unfair, and we must find a solution,” AHY said at a National Water Self-Sufficiency Coordination Meeting at his office in Jakarta on Thursday (15 October 2026).

He said water resources must be used appropriately and efficiently. Demand is rising not only from households but also from industries that require large volumes of water.

“Remember, household demand is high, and industrial demand is also high. Data centre operations now require a very large water supply as well,” he said.

The government is therefore committed to ensuring that clean water remains available to the public amid the rapid growth of business activities, including data centre operations.

AHY added that equitable water-resource management is an important pillar in achieving the national water self-sufficiency target.