Jakarta, INTI - The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) has warned that the rapid expansion of AI data centers could contribute to water crises in various regions if the government continues to prioritize digital investment without specific regulations to protect water resources and the environment.
WALHI stressed that the development of AI infrastructure must not compromise communities’ rights to access water or undermine ecosystem sustainability.
Wahyu Eka Styawan, Urban Justice Campaigner at WALHI National, said the government should avoid repeating governance failures seen in extractive industries, where investment has sometimes expanded faster than the state’s ability to manage its environmental impacts.
He noted that Indonesia currently has no specific regulations governing the development and operation of AI infrastructure. Projects continue to rely on general instruments such as environmental impact assessments (AMDAL) and risk-based licensing, without dedicated provisions addressing water and energy consumption, cumulative environmental impacts, or potential conflicts over natural resources associated with large-scale computing infrastructure.
“AI is an inevitable part of technological development. However, AI infrastructure must not come at the expense of people’s rights to water and a healthy environment. Digital transformation should not create a new ecological crisis whose costs are ultimately borne by communities,” Wahyu said.
AI Data Centers Raise Concerns Over Water Consumption
WALHI estimates that the development of an AI data center operated by BDx in Jatiluhur, West Java, could consume up to 384 liters of water per second, or approximately 33,000 cubic meters per day. On an annual basis, this could amount to around 12 million cubic meters of water.
Although the volume represents approximately 0.20 percent of the estimated annual water availability of the Jatiluhur Reservoir, WALHI argues that continuous 24-hour consumption could still create a significant ecological burden.
Based on its projections, WALHI estimates that the water allocated to the AI data center could be equivalent to around 7.87 percent of Karawang’s water demand, or the daily clean-water needs of more than 220,000 people.
WALHI also identified concerns surrounding the rapid expansion of data centers in Batam. The city currently has approximately 16 to 18 data center projects that are either operational or under construction.
The expansion could increase pressure on the Duriangkang Reservoir, which serves as a major water source for more than 1.3 million residents of Batam.
According to WALHI’s assessment, the water requirements of approximately 10 AI data centers could reach around 32 million liters per day, or 11.68 million cubic meters annually. This volume is equivalent to the daily water needs of approximately 320,000 people, or a medium-sized district.
Data Center Expansion Raises Environmental Risks
Amid reservoir sedimentation, climate change, and increasing drought risks, WALHI warned that allocating water to AI infrastructure could place additional pressure on supplies available to local communities.
The Jatiluhur Reservoir in Purwakarta and Duriangkang Reservoir in Batam are strategic water sources that support drinking-water supplies and agricultural irrigation.
“The cases of Jatiluhur and Batam show a similar pattern. AI infrastructure is being developed around strategic freshwater sources that have long supported communities. Without strict regulation, communities will be among the first to feel the impact of prolonged drought, climate-related disruptions, or declining water availability,” Wahyu said.
WALHI is calling for stronger governance of AI data center development in Indonesia. Measures proposed include restrictions on certain types of data centers, zoning regulations, energy- and water-efficiency standards, mandatory use of recycled water, and a risk-based AI governance framework to ensure that digital investment does not come at the expense of public and environmental interests.
WALHI Calls for Moratorium on New Data Centers
WALHI is urging the government to impose a moratorium on new data center construction while developing comprehensive regulations specifically governing AI data centers.
The proposed framework should include requirements for assessing environmental carrying capacity, protecting water resources, ensuring spatial planning compliance, implementing Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), providing public access to information, and ensuring meaningful participation from affected communities.
“Until such regulations are in place, the government should impose a moratorium on new data center construction. Technology must develop within the boundaries of ecosystem sustainability. Indonesia should not sacrifice water resources, the environment, and community interests in the pursuit of AI investment,” Wahyu concluded.
Conclusion
WALHI’s concerns highlight the need to balance Indonesia’s AI ambitions with responsible management of water and environmental resources. As data center demand grows, stronger regulations, water- and energy-efficiency standards, and meaningful community participation will be essential to ensure digital infrastructure development remains environmentally sustainable.
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