Indonesian governor halts Singapore data centre project over missing permits

Governor Dedi Mulyadi directed authorities to halt the data centre project in West Java, stating that the operator had not obtained required permits before commencing work. The suspension reflects growing scrutiny of major infrastructure developments in the province, with officials emphasising compliance with licensing requirements.

Mulyadi indicated support for foreign investment in West Java, provided such projects adhered to environmental standards and proper regulatory procedures. The governor's position signals that while the region welcomes capital inflows, developers must navigate the full approval process rather than proceeding without authorisation.

BDx, a Singapore-based technology company, has not publicly responded to the halt order. The suspension raises questions about the project's timeline and the steps required for it to resume operations. West Java has become an increasingly attractive destination for data centre investment in Southeast Asia, but the halt demonstrates that authorities will enforce compliance measures regardless of investor origin or company profile.

The incident highlights the importance for regional companies investing in Indonesia of securing all necessary permits and environmental clearances before breaking ground on large-scale projects.