Indonesia’s data center industry is experiencing rapid expansion, fueled by the country’s growing internet penetration, cloud adoption, and nationwide digital transformation. According to Mordor Intelligence (2024), the market is projected to exceed USD 3.5 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 10.9% (2024–2029).
As the demand for power and reliability intensifies, efficiency and skilled human resources are becoming central pillars of the data center ecosystem.
In the Nusantara Academy Podcast episode titled “UPS Technology, Generator Selection, and Power Enhancement Strategies in Data Centers” (Season 3, Episode 9), Sari Oktaviani sat down with three experts who shared their insights on how Indonesia’s power infrastructure is evolving to support the digital era:
- Ir. Suminto Sosrosaputro, IPU, Senior Advisor at Indonesia Data Center Provider Organization (IDPRO) — a veteran electrical engineer with over 40 years of experience and a recent Professional Engineer (IPU) title from Universitas Gadjah Mada.
- Ir. Sucipta Suwandi, Founder & CEO of PT Vektordaya Mekatrika, a leading provider of UPS technology for data centers.
- Agus Suhendar, Assistant Manager of Energy Transactions at PLN UP3 Serpong, with over 16 years of experience in Indonesia’s national electricity company.
Smarter and More Efficient UPS Technologies
Today’s Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are not just about backup — they are about efficiency, scalability, and smart management.
Modern modular UPS solutions introduce a pay-as-you-grow approach, allowing data centers to expand capacity in phases without over-investing upfront.
The use of IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) rectifiers also minimizes power loss and harmonics, enhancing overall system efficiency.
Meanwhile, smart operation modes optimize UPS performance to run at peak efficiency automatically.
When it comes to energy storage, the shift from VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid) batteries to Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) and Poly Electrolyte Lithium (PEL) is transforming the industry:
- Lithium batteries save up to 70% of physical space, endure higher temperatures, and last significantly longer.
- PEL batteries offer a more affordable mid-range alternative with reliable performance.
Lithium-ion batteries deliver higher usable energy (80–100%) versus VRLA (50–80%), greater space efficiency, and longer operational life.
PLN’s Digital-First Approach to Power Reliability
As the national electricity provider, PLN plays a key role in powering Indonesia’s growing digital infrastructure.
Their strategies include:
- Expanding generation and distribution capacity to meet industry needs.
- Enhancing transparency and response time through the PLN Mobile app.
- Improving power quality via real-time digital monitoring systems.
By digitalizing its services, PLN also strengthens Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring the reliability that data centers depend on 24/7.
From Diesel to Hydrogen: The Future of Generators
Generators remain an essential layer of redundancy in data center operations. However, the energy transition is reshaping this space too.
Current trends point to a gradual shift from diesel to B30 biodiesel, natural gas, and even hydrogen fuel technologies that promise cleaner energy.
- Gas generators produce fewer emissions and achieve higher efficiency through waste heat recovery.
- Hydrogen generators are emerging as a zero-emission future solution, though still in early development stages in Indonesia.
The evolution of generators reflects the industry’s journey toward sustainability — from diesel to biodiesel, to gas, and eventually to hydrogen.
Bridging the Skills Gap: Building the Next Generation of Data Center Talent
Technology alone isn’t enough — human capability is the real driver behind reliable data centers.
The industry faces a shortage of professionals who combine electrical, mechanical, and IT expertise, while formal education programs in this niche are still limited.
To address this, experts recommend micro-credential programs and professional certifications that are more targeted, practical, and aligned with global standards.
Additionally, developing data centers across multiple regions — not just in major cities — helps distribute talent and infrastructure more evenly nationwide.
Conclusion: A Unified Path Forward
The growth of Indonesia’s data center industry depends on more than technology — it requires a holistic strategy integrating power, innovation, and human capital.
- Modular UPS and Lithium/PEL batteries are redefining energy efficiency.
- PLN is modernizing power infrastructure through digital tools and capacity expansion.
- Cleaner generators pave the way toward a sustainable energy ecosystem.
- Skilled professionals with relevant certifications will ensure operational resilience.
Together, these elements position Indonesia’s data center sector as a key enabler of the nation’s digital transformation — powering the future, one innovation at a time.
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
