Building the Heart of Digital Civilization: IDPRO and ebmpapst Prioritize Sustainability for Indonesia's Data Centers

The rapid growth of Indonesia's digital economy has brought the spotlight directly onto the infrastructure that powers it all. Recently, at the Halal Bihalal IDPRO 2026 event held at the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta, industry leaders gathered to discuss a pivotal shift in how we think about digital infrastructure. Organized by the Indonesia Data Center Provider Organization (IDPRO) in collaboration with ebmpapst and supported by BCA International, the event centered around a powerful theme: “Shaping Sustainable Infrastructure.”

Hendra Suryakusuma, the Chairman of IDPRO, delivered a compelling message to the attendees. He emphasized that data centers have evolved far beyond their traditional role as hidden support systems. In today’s world, they have become the “heart” of modern digital civilization. Every digital interaction, from simple financial transactions to complex technological innovations, relies entirely on the pulse of these facilities. Without them, the digital economy as we know it would simply cease to function.

Moving Sustainability from Footnote to Main Title

While the expansion of the data center industry is a sign of economic progress, Hendra warned that this growth cannot come at the expense of the environment. He noted that in the past, sustainability might have been treated as an afterthought or a "footnote" in corporate strategies. However, in the current global climate, that perspective is no longer viable. For IDPRO and its partners, sustainability is now the “main title” and the primary compass guiding every strategic decision.

The energy demands of modern data centers are immense. Hendra highlighted that without meticulous planning and a commitment to green practices, the sheer scale of energy consumption could hinder Indonesia’s broader environmental goals. The challenge for the industry is to harmonize the drive for digital dominance with the responsibility of ecological preservation.

A Government Mandate for Digital Progress

One of the most significant reveals during the event was the government's direct involvement in shaping the future of the industry. Hendra disclosed that the Indonesian government has officially mandated IDPRO to spearhead the development of national digital infrastructure. This isn't just a verbal agreement; it signals a formal commitment to progress. We can expect specific regulations in the near future designed to accelerate these sustainable initiatives, providing a clearer roadmap and a sturdier foundation for long-term development.

This partnership between the private sector and the government is crucial. It ensures that as Indonesia builds out its digital footprint, it does so under a framework that prioritizes efficiency and environmental standards, potentially setting a benchmark for the Southeast Asian region.

The Three Pillars of Sustainable Transformation

To turn this vision into reality, Hendra outlined three strategic steps that the industry must adopt immediately. First, sustainability must be integrated into the design phase of every data center. This means being intentional about everything from site selection to the types of energy sources used to power the facility. It’s about building green from the ground up, not just retrofitting old models.

Second, there must be a strengthening of collaboration. The complexity of building a sustainable digital ecosystem requires a unified effort between the government, private industry players, and the wider community. No single entity can solve the energy crisis or the infrastructure challenge alone.

Third, transparency is non-negotiable. Hendra stressed the importance of having clear, sustainable measurements in place. By tracking and reporting on implementation, the industry can ensure it stays accountable to its environmental promises.

Building Better, Not Just Bigger

In a closing thought that resonated with many tech professionals in the room, Hendra challenged the industry to change its metrics of success. In the early days of the digital boom, the goal was often to build the biggest facility possible. Today, the priority has shifted. As Hendra pointed out, the real question is no longer whether we can build bigger, but whether we can build better. Through this forum, IDPRO and ebmpapst are setting a new standard: creating a data center ecosystem that is as responsible to the planet as it is resilient to technological demands.