Jakarta, INTI - The government considers the availability of renewable energy to be a key factor in data center development. This is because data center facilities require a large energy supply.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stated that Indonesia's data center capacity currently reaches approximately 637 megawatts (MW). Meanwhile, capacity still in the pipeline is estimated to reach 1.6 gigawatts (GW) by next year.
Airlangga said that the government is also discussing the use of nuclear energy as a new energy source to support various needs, including data center operations.
"We are currently discussing the development of a small modular nuclear reactor. The President actually wants this energy mix to include nuclear energy, as nuclear energy is a globally sought-after energy source," said Airlangga during the 1 Decade of the Indonesia Data Center Provider Organization (IDPRO) event in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Concerns in Nuclear Energy Development
However, Airlangga also noted that there are some concerns regarding the development of nuclear energy. According to him, when a country has the capability to manage a nuclear power plant, its uranium enrichment capability often attracts the attention of other countries.
Furthermore, Airlangga believes Indonesia has the advantage of abundant domestic (indigenous) energy sources. This potential includes geothermal energy, solar energy through solar panels, and hydropower, which can still be developed.
Meanwhile, Chairman of IDPRO, Hendra Suryakusuma, said nuclear energy is an attractive option to support data center energy needs. However, he said, nuclear utilization still faces various challenges and resistance from various parties.
Hendra cited Russia as an example, which has utilized nuclear energy through Rosatom. Furthermore, around 70% of France's energy needs also come from nuclear power. He added that small modular reactor (SMR) technology that uses a thorium core is currently being developed, which is considered to reduce the risk of accidents compared to previous technologies.
"But then again, this energy does have many political elements," he said.
Hendra further stated that IDPRO is currently compiling a Sustainable Data Center Index as a guide to anticipate the rapid development of data centers in Indonesia, with the target of launching in July.
Conclusion
The government considers the availability of renewable energy to be a crucial factor in supporting the growth of data centers in Indonesia, which require a significant electricity supply. Currently, national data center capacity is approximately 637 MW, with an additional 1.6 GW of capacity under development by next year. The government is also considering utilizing nuclear energy, including small modular reactor (SMR) technology, as part of the energy mix to support data center operations. Indonesia is considered to have significant potential from domestic energy sources such as geothermal, solar, and hydro.
Read more: Airlangga Says Data Centers Are Key to Achieving 8% Economic Growth