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The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Ladahlia encourages the development of Batam, Carimmune and Bintan in the Riau Islands as a new data hub to strengthen Indonesia's position in regional digital ecosystem.

In this effort, there's an additional need for national data centers to be developed that are projected to 20 gigawatts.

It was delivered by Bahlil at 2026 Bali Tech Week in Denmarket, Monday (19 / 10). He calls that additional power needs equal to 20,000 megawatts or about 20 percent of the total current capacity.

"I just had a conversation with a CEO recently, which requires an additional 20 GW. It's not a bit, it's a big enough one,

Those 20 GW numbers are an additional projection of need, not the amount of electrical consumption of the data centers operating today. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology becomes the main thrusters of the infrastructure's surges.

In addition to electricity, the data centers also require certainty of water supply, stability of fiber optic tissue, and locations ready to develop.

Bahlil assesses Batam, Cartilities, and Bintan has adequate water availability, population density lower than Java and Bali, as well as renewable energy development potential.

The presence of the new data center in the region is about to complete regional digital ecosystem in Singapore and Malaysia.

In Batam, investment realization begins to run. The Batam and PT Digitalland Service One (DayOne) PLN (DayOne) signed the Buy Power Treaty (PJBTL) in April 2026 with the contract capacity of 511 megavolt ampere (MVA) or the equivalent of 450 MW.

At the same time, BP Batam and the Batam PLN also agreed to a bill of understanding of the floating PLTS built with 200 megawatt@@

Bahlil optimum provision of clean energy can become a magnet to attract investors. The government plans to develop PLTS up to 100 gigawatt@@

"I have faith, my fellow investors would prefer to use their data center by using renewable new energy. And this is a business opportunity," he said.

To ensure the right energy supply is targeted, the government will request a map of the location plan of potential investors. Special rules are also prepared to encourage the engagement of national entrepreneurs and areas in those projects.

"We should share with local businessmen. Don't get all worked up by themselves," pick up Bahlil.

Through setting up locations, renewable energy readiness, and local partnerships, the government wants to strengthen Indonesia's position as a means of digital investment at the regional level.