World · Singapore Bureau
Batam residents oppose data centre expansion amid water crisis concerns
Residents in Indonesia's Batam have staged protests against plans to expand data centre operations, citing worsening water shortages in the industrial island. Local officials have disputed the claims, attributing the dry conditions to El Niño weather patterns.
LSN Singapore ·
Communities in Batam have mobilised against proposals to expand data centre facilities, with protesters arguing that the energy-intensive projects would exacerbate existing water supply problems affecting the island. The demonstrations reflect growing concerns among residents about resource constraints as industrial development accelerates in the strategically important Indonesian hub near Singapore.
Local authorities have dismissed the protesters' assertions, contending that prolonged dry conditions are primarily attributable to El Niño weather patterns sweeping across the region rather than industrial water consumption. Officials have maintained that data centre projects are essential for economic growth and technological advancement in Batam.
The dispute underscores tensions between developmental ambitions and environmental sustainability in resource-constrained regions. Batam, a major manufacturing and logistics hub, has faced periodic water supply challenges, particularly during extended dry seasons.
The controversy comes as demand for data centre capacity continues to surge across Southeast Asia, driven by digital transformation and cloud computing adoption. Several regional economies have pursued data centre investments despite concerns about energy and water consumption in water-stressed areas.