New Asia Forum: Indonesia to set out progress on sustainable AI data centres

Indonesia will reveal more of its AI investment strategy at December’s New Asia Forum in Bali, with Danantara set to announce developments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

Ahead of the event, Danantara has outlined its guiding principles for data centre investment, saying large facilities must bring their own energy supply and use technology to minimise water consumption.

Stefanus Ade Hadiwidjaja, managing director of investment at Danantara Investment Management (DIM), said the organisation wanted to capture AI opportunities while protecting resources needed by industry and local communities.

“Globally, AI is developing rapidly. We are always prudent and cautious in every investment. At the same time, we cannot afford to miss the tremendous opportunities in AI,” he said.

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“We welcome incoming investment, but it must be undertaken responsibly. There are at least two important considerations: energy and water.”

For large-scale data centres, Hadiwidjaja said Danantara applies a “BYOE (Bring Your Own Energy)” principle.

“We do not want to disrupt the energy supply currently needed for industrialization and communities,” he said.

“On water, we ensure that every data centre investment uses closed-loop technology to minimise water withdrawal. Wherever possible, we also encourage water treatment systems and desalination.”

Digital infrastructure and AI are among DIM’s investment priorities to support Indonesia’s economic and industrial transformation. Danantara said its assessment of projects also considers commercial feasibility, emissions, network readiness, data security, and environmental and social impacts.

The organisation has said the latest developments in its AI investments will be announced at the forum, which takes place on 3–4 December 2026.

Forum targets $30 billion in investment

Held under the patronage of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, with Danantara Indonesia as a founding partner, the New Asia Forum aims to mobilize US$30 billion in investment across the region.

Organisers expect more than 1,000 global leaders and over 100 speakers to attend more than 40 sessions. The forum will bring together government representatives, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, private equity and venture capital firms, banks and multinational companies.

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Danantara will participate as a co-investor alongside global partners, with capital commitments and strategic investments due to be announced during the event.

“Danantara Investment Management’s mandate is to attract private and global capital to invest alongside us in Indonesia’s strategic sectors,” said Pandu Sjahrir, Danantara’s chief investment officer.

“At NAF, we will announce capital commitments and strategic investments, while demonstrating that Danantara Indonesia serves as an anchor investor capable of attracting high-quality capital into Indonesia.”

The programme is structured around two stages. The first day, titled “Discovery & Diligence”, will examine investment opportunities, feasibility, risks and financing structures. The second, “Action & Execution”, will focus on transaction terms, capital allocation and partnerships, concluding with presentations of commitments and agreed implementation steps.

Digital infrastructure and AI is one of eight investment sectors covered by the forum, alongside areas including energy, manufacturing, strategic resources and education.