Bakrie & Brothers Eyes Data Center Expansion: Anindya Bakrie Outlines New Strategic Direction

The landscape of Indonesia's digital infrastructure is undergoing a massive shift, and PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk (BNBR) is positioning itself at the heart of this evolution. Following the recent Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (RUPST) held in Kuningan, South Jakarta, CEO Anindya N. Bakrie shared a compelling vision for the company’s future: a strategic move into the data center sector.

This isn't a pivot out of nowhere. For years, BNBR has operated PT Multi Kontrol Nusantara (MKN), a subsidiary that has built a solid reputation as a system integrator, network service provider, and fiber optic infrastructure specialist. According to Anindya, MKN is the natural vehicle for this expansion, leveraging its deep-rooted experience in Information Technology (IT) solutions to tackle the next generation of infrastructure.

Moving Beyond Poles and Fiber

For a long time, the term 'IT infrastructure' was synonymous with the physical hardware of connectivity—think telecommunication poles and sprawling fiber optic networks. While these remain critical, Anindya points out that the industry's gravity is shifting. The modern backbone of the digital economy is now the data center.

"We used to talk about poles for telecommunications or fiber optics. But today's IT infrastructure is the data center," Anindya explained. By acknowledging this shift, MKN and the broader Bakrie Group are signaling that they aren't just satisfied with providing the 'pipes' for data; they want to host the data itself.

The Competitive Edge: Land and Power

Building a data center isn't just about high-tech servers; it's a game of logistics and utilities. Anindya identified two critical pillars for success in this space: strategic land and a massive, reliable power supply. This is where the Bakrie Group believes it has a distinct advantage.

The company is currently scouting strategic locations, specifically within the DKI Jakarta area. More importantly, the group's existing portfolio in power generation provides a unique synergy. Since data centers are notoriously energy-hungry, having an in-house power generation arm allows BNBR to potentially offer more stable and integrated solutions than competitors who have to outsource their energy needs.

Seeking Strategic Alliances

Despite their internal strengths, BNBR isn't looking to go it alone. Anindya was clear that the company is actively seeking strategic partners who bring specialized expertise in the data center industry. The goal is to combine the Bakrie Group’s local infrastructure and power capabilities with the technical know-how of global or specialized players to create a world-class offering.

Strong Financial Foundation for Growth

This expansion plan is backed by a robust financial performance in 2025. While many companies faced headwinds, PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk managed to post a net profit of Rp 502.74 billion—a staggering 49.6% year-on-year (yoy) increase from the Rp 336.04 billion recorded in 2024.

This surge in profitability came even as net revenue saw a slight dip of 3.28%, landing at Rp 3.74 trillion. The ability to significantly grow the bottom line despite a minor revenue contraction suggests a much leaner, more efficient operation, giving the company the financial breathing room needed to invest in high-growth sectors like data centers. As BNBR moves forward, this blend of legacy infrastructure experience and aggressive digital expansion will be one to watch closely.