Jakarta, INTI – In an exclusive interview with INTI Media at the INTI Expo 2025 event, Mr. Hendra Suryakusuma, Chairman of the Indonesia Data Center Provider Organization (IDPRO), shared his insights regarding the readiness of the national electrical equipment industry in supporting the needs of modern data centers in Indonesia. The challenge of providing data center infrastructure is becoming increasingly complex as digitalization accelerates, AI activities surge, and energy efficiency demands rise. On the other hand, major opportunities are emerging as local industries are now seen as increasingly capable of playing a role in the supply chain. This event has become an important forum for discussing supply readiness, collaboration solutions, and policy direction to strengthen the future independence of national industries.
Optimism Towards Local Role in Infrastructure Supply
Mr. Hendra explained that the local electrical equipment industry is currently showing encouraging progress. Many national players are already able to supply data center needs and have even established collaborations with multinational companies such as Schneider, Siemens, and APB in building manufacturing facilities in Indonesia. According to him, an increasing number of IDPRO members are actively implementing ESG principles, including efforts to reduce emissions from logistics activities. This indicates that strengthening local capacity is not only about business, but also about sustainability.
Main Challenge Lies in AI Server Needs
Despite the optimism, Hendra acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges today is meeting the standards required to support AI server needs. AI technology has power characteristics that are significantly higher and more complex, requiring intensive research. The research culture and R&D-based industrialization in Indonesia still need to be strengthened. As a result, there is still dependence on imported products for electrical components specifically required for AI servers, which local industries have not yet been able to fully fulfill.
The Role of Regulation and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration is Essential
Furthermore, Hendra emphasized that the push for national supply independence cannot rely solely on the industry. The government, associations, and data center operators must synergize with supportive regulations. He pointed out that countries such as China and the United States also apply local content policies. If Indonesia can strengthen regulations, provide investment-friendly fiscal incentives, and simplify licensing for manufacturing industries, then the acceleration of national electrical equipment supply independence will occur more massively and in a more measurable manner.
Conclusion
The independence of national electrical equipment supply for Indonesia’s data centers in the AI era is considered highly achievable, given the growing capacity of local industries and their collaborations with global players. However, the biggest challenge remains the demand for AI servers, which require higher electrical standards and stronger research culture. Therefore, synergy among the government, associations, and industry players is needed to produce supportive regulations, investment-friendly fiscal incentives, and easier licensing to ensure that the acceleration of national supply independence can be realized comprehensively and sustainably.
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