Data center firms push for clearer, coordinated approvals
The concern follows West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s decision to temporarily halt construction of a BDx data center in Jatiluhur, West Java, despite having attended the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on July 28.
Indonesian data center firms are advocating for clearer, coordinated approvals from the government to facilitate large-scale digital infrastructure investment. The demand stems from West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi's recent temporary halt on construction of a BDx data center in Jatiluhur, West Java, despite his attendance of the project's groundbreaking ceremony on July 28.
The Indonesian Data Center Provider Organization (IDPRO) chairman, Hendra Suryakusuma, emphasized the need for clear and firm rules on environmental, building, water, and energy requirements, stating that legal certainty does not equate to weaker regulation. Investors require certainty regarding requirements, decision-making processes, approval sequencing, and timeline estimates.
The issue arose due to concerns over the project's water usage, as well as pending environmental and building permits. Governor Dedi clarified that construction was halted not due to environmental rule violations but because the necessary permits had not yet been issued. IDPRO proposed an "integrated pre-construction readiness process" involving central and local governments, PLN, water providers, and investors, with all permit processes conducted simultaneously and sequential approvals following a clear timeline.
Hendra suggested that the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) could play a coordinating role, while local governments should retain a central role due to their understanding of local environmental capacity, spatial planning, water availability, and community conditions.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
