The data center industry in Indonesia is growing rapidly alongside digital transformation, AI, e-commerce, and the increasing demand for data storage. The server power density, which was previously 5–10 kW per rack, has now drastically increased to 20–25 or 20–30 kW per rack, making efficient cooling systems crucially important.
The podcast “Data Center Cooling in Indonesia: How Far Has It Developed So Far?”, produced by Nusantara Data Center Academy, discusses the development of cooling technologies, operational challenges in tropical climates, innovations, energy efficiency, and sustainability practices in Indonesia’s data center industry. The episode is hosted by Sari Oktaviani, featuring two main experts:
Herlin Haryani, President of ASHRAE Indonesia Chapter
Indri Priscillia, Managing Director of PT Tools Air Teknologi Indonesia
Their discussion focuses on the role of cooling, innovative technologies, and sustainability in Indonesia’s data center industry, which faces unique tropical climate challenges.
The Role of Cooling in Data Centers
Cooling is a key factor in maintaining server performance and reliability. In Indonesia, the tropical climate demands continuous cooling throughout the year, unlike subtropical countries that can leverage free cooling during winter.
Server power density has sharply increased from 5–10 kW per rack to 20–30 kW, which also raises cooling demands. Efficient cooling not only maintains server performance but also prevents potential damage and data loss.
The Role of ASHRAE and Global Standards
Herlin Haryani explained that ASHRAE is a global professional association that sets standards for refrigeration and ventilation. ASHRAE conducts research and establishes design standards for refrigeration, heating, and ventilation, widely used by data center designers and consultants. These standards are applied in data center designs worldwide, including in Indonesia, to ensure cooling systems meet safety and energy efficiency criteria.
Meanwhile, Indri Priscillia highlighted the rapid growth of data centers in Indonesia driven by digital transformation, AI, e-commerce, and financial transactions, which further increases data storage needs.
Energy Consumption Composition in Data Centers
Approximately 45% of data center energy is used for cooling, while 35% goes to servers & storage, and 20% to other infrastructure.
This emphasizes that cooling systems are a critical component in efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Precision Cooling and Energy Efficiency
Precision cooling is a method that maintains server temperatures within a specific range to meet service level agreements (SLA). This technology is now more flexible because modern servers can operate optimally up to 27°C, compared to the previous 18–19°C requirement. This flexibility allows energy and emission reductions without compromising performance.
Cooling Technology Innovations
Some key innovations adopted to enhance efficiency and sustainability include:
- Liquid Cooling: Directly cools server components, more efficient than cooling the entire room air.
- Evaporative Cooling: Uses the evaporation process to lower temperatures with less energy.
- Direct Cooling: Focuses on specific areas rather than the entire room to reduce cooling capacity.
These strategies emphasize protecting servers rather than the room, allowing lower cooling capacity and more energy-efficient operation.
Certified Human Resources and Optimal Operations
The success of a cooling system depends not only on technology but also on certified personnel. Installation or operation by non-certified staff can reduce performance, even in advanced systems.
Certification programs, from ASHRAE or local institutions, are key to maintaining:
- Energy efficiency
- System performance
- Infrastructure longevity
Regulatory and Sustainability Challenges
There are currently no specific regulations governing data center cooling efficiency in Indonesia. However, collaboration between associations and the government—including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM)—is underway to establish:
- Energy intensity limits per square meter
- Sustainability standards for cooling systems
These steps are crucial to ensure the industry’s growth aligns with green technology principles, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness.
Conclusion
This podcast provides deep insights into the complexities of data center cooling in Indonesia:
- Cooling is critical for server performance and reliability.
- The tropical climate demands continuous cooling and innovative strategies.
- Modern precision cooling allows energy efficiency and emission reduction.
- Innovations like liquid, evaporative, and direct cooling reduce cooling capacity.
- Certified personnel and proper operations support system optimization.
- Regulations and government collaboration are needed for long-term sustainability.
By combining advanced technology, certified personnel, and proper regulations, Indonesia can build reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly data centers to support sustainable digital growth.
For more details, listen directly to the podcast on YouTube Nusantara Academy and don’t forget to register for training by contacting https://wa.me/6285176950083
