Indonesia pauses data‑center project over water concerns; Malaysia weighs tighter resource rules for data centres
Indonesia’s governor of West Java has put a major data‑center development on hold, citing water‑use worries and the lack of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment amid an El Niño‑related drought. The project, led by a Singapore‑based operator, would draw water from a dam that supplies drinking water and irrigation for the region. In Malaysia, a Dewan Rakyat debate saw the deputy minister warn that data‑centres’ water consumption could threaten household and industrial supplies, proposing that facilities near water bodies restrict water use to internal needs. He also noted that the Energy Commission is reviewing electricity demand forecasts because many centres reserve more power than they actually need, and suggested that data‑centres develop independent power plans such as solar or battery solutions.
How this was covered
- Centrist coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
Both countries are confronting how rapidly expanding data‑centre demand could strain essential water and power resources for ordinary citizens.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Civil groups sue Indonesian government over West Kalimantan fire negligence
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 15 The government, led by Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu, is gathering evidence and keeping legal options open as PSI levels in western Singapore entered the very unhealthy range. The 2014 law allows fines up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million, for companies whose fires produce prolonged haze. Enforcement has been challenging, with limited data from Indonesian authorities and four firms still under investigation. Fu also urged Indonesia to curb the fires and called for ASEAN cooperation.
- Oct 16 President Prabowo appointed army general Kristomei Sianturi to lead BNPB.
- Oct 16 Indonesia formally accepted regional assistance and technical talks on its implementation are underway.
- Oct 16 Legal notices were served on seven Indonesian firms for their role in the haze.
- Oct 19 Student Alliance of Gadjah Mada University addressed ASEAN Secretary‑General urging scrutiny of Indonesia’s compliance and acceptance of regional firefighting support.
- Oct 19 Malaysia specified that it will provide three helicopters and 52 firefighters to support Indonesia’s fire‑fighting efforts.
- Oct 20 Indonesia’s BNPB and army chief launched a joint firefighting push in Central Kalimantan.
- Oct 22 President Prabowo publicly blamed corporations and pledged to identify them.
- Oct 23 Malaysia said it will raise the haze issue with Indonesia at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.
- Oct 23 Energy minister Bahlil announced a review of Indonesia's gas allocation, aiming to shift more supply toward local petrochemical use.
- Oct 25 Indonesia announced the cut in pipeline gas shipments to Singapore.
- Oct 26 Indonesia’s governor halted the West Java data‑center project.
Related stories
34 in this thread