Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, discussed potential cooperation with Finland in developing data centers and computing infrastructure to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
The proposed collaboration includes technology adoption, enhanced computing capacity, and digital ecosystem development to support growing artificial intelligence (AI) requirements and public services.
The discussion took place during Meutya’s meeting with Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs office in Central Jakarta on October 14, 2026.
The meeting provided an opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation amid Indonesia’s growing demand for reliable and geographically distributed digital infrastructure.
Indonesia Plans to Expand Data Center Capacity and Distribution
Meutya said data center development in Indonesia must consider computing capacity requirements, geographical distribution, and the readiness of supporting infrastructure.
The government is coordinating with other ministries to ensure that data center locations are selected according to national needs and regional conditions.
“We are coordinating with other ministers to determine suitable locations and conduct accurate assessments for data center development,” Meutya said.
She explained that Indonesia’s vast geographical landscape is an important consideration in planning data center infrastructure. Currently, most data centers remain concentrated in one region, making geographical diversification necessary to accommodate rising computing demand and promote more balanced digital infrastructure development.
Meutya also highlighted Finnish technology company Nokia’s involvement in a data center project with Indonesian telecommunications provider Indosat. The partnership represents a tangible opportunity to strengthen technological cooperation between the two countries while creating broader opportunities for Finnish companies to participate in Indonesia’s digital ecosystem.
“This is an important milestone, not only for Indonesian companies but also for Nokia, as a Finnish company, to participate in one of Indonesia’s largest data center projects,” she said.
AI Infrastructure to Support Public Services
Meutya emphasized that demand for computing infrastructure will continue to increase as digital technologies become more widely integrated into public services.
One example is the government’s ongoing pilot program to digitize social protection services, which aims to improve the accuracy of beneficiary targeting and is expected to expand to additional regions.
With approximately 50 million beneficiaries projected to receive cash assistance, the program will require adequate digital and AI infrastructure to support its implementation.
“Overall, approximately 50 million beneficiaries are expected to receive cash assistance. This will certainly require adequate digital infrastructure and AI infrastructure,” Meutya stressed.
She added that digital infrastructure development is an integral part of Indonesia’s Digital Vision 2045, which is built around three pillars: connected, growing, and protected.
The government aims to strengthen connectivity alongside human resource development, digital economic growth, and public protection through a secure and trusted digital ecosystem.
Finland Offers Expertise in Sustainable Data Center Development
Ville Tavio highlighted Finland’s experience in data center development, supported by its climate conditions, energy availability, and technological capabilities.
He explained that Finland’s relatively low temperatures help reduce data center cooling requirements, while more than 95% of the country’s electricity supply comes from sources free of fossil fuels.
“More than 95% of our electricity is free of fossil fuels. This is very beneficial for us and makes our system highly self-sufficient,” Tavio explained.
Beyond data centers, Tavio identified potential cooperation in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, network infrastructure, and digital capacity development.
Finland is also interested in exploring data center opportunities in Indonesia, including through Nokia’s involvement, as well as potential collaboration on smart city planning in the new capital, Nusantara.
“We want to increase our participation, particularly in cooperation with Indonesia,” he said.
Bilateral Partnership to Strengthen Indonesia’s Digital Ecosystem
Tavio noted that Indonesia’s expanding digital economy presents opportunities for Finnish companies to contribute to the development of digital infrastructure and services.
The Finnish government is prepared to share information about public procurement and tender opportunities in Indonesia with companies that have relevant expertise and capabilities.
The meeting marked a step toward exploring mutually beneficial cooperation by combining Indonesia’s need for robust computing infrastructure with Finland’s experience in digital technology.
Through stronger collaboration, both countries aim to support a more resilient digital ecosystem, expand technology investment opportunities, and ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach a wider segment of Indonesian society.
Conclusion
Indonesia and Finland are exploring opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in data centers, computing infrastructure, AI, and digital technology. By combining Indonesia’s growing demand for digital infrastructure with Finland’s technological expertise, the partnership could support more reliable and geographically distributed computing capacity, improve digital public services, and accelerate Indonesia’s Digital Vision 2045. Continued collaboration is expected to create new investment opportunities and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Read more: DCII Chief Toto Sugiri Says Indonesia’s Data Center Demand Could Quadruple Amid AI Growth