Tanggapi Isu Pusat Data Sedot Air, BRIN Minta Bukti dan Kajian Ilmiah | NTV TREND

Overview

BRIN (including a researcher speaking on its behalf) addressed controversy surrounding a planned AI/data center project after public concerns were raised that “water [would be] sucked” from local wells, potentially drying groundwater. The central message was that the project’s impacts must be evaluated using valid, measurable scientific data, especially regarding:

• Water use (WUE)
• Power use
• Environmental mitigation mechanisms

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Positive Framing of the Project

The BRIN contributor highlighted potential benefits, noting that:

• Construction is still ongoing (including work beyond Indonesia).
• The project is expected to:
  • Increase computing capacity
  • Expand access to research and innovation, including for campuses and government
  • Support economic development (including for startups)
• It may also attract investment and training opportunities, such as in:
  • Electricity
  • AI

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Workforce Figures Clarified

An article claimed the project would absorb 2,000–3,000 workers. The contributor clarified that:

• That workforce scale appears tied to the first construction phase.
• A follow-up study/data should be conducted after the facility is built to confirm:
  • Labor needs
  • Related impacts on resources (including talent/infrastructure demand)

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Water and Power Mitigation Must Be Evidence-Based

BRIN emphasized that mitigation should be grounded in real assessment and research:

• There are existing mechanisms/assessments for managing water and power impacts.
• A scientific consortium approach is important—bringing together expertise not only in AI, but also in:
  • Water
  • Geology
• The goal is to evaluate risks and the magnitude of potential damage openly and honestly.

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“Stopped/Paused” Narrative Addressed

Authorities stated the project was not permanently halted, but temporarily suspended while required documentation and approvals were being processed, including:

• AMDAL (environmental impact assessment)
• PBG (building approval permits)
• MDAL (environmental-related approvals, as referenced)

The suspension was described as waiting for the consultant to input data so assessments could proceed. Delays to AMDAL were attributed to missing data entry in earlier months.

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Call for Objective, Measurable AMDAL

A key stance was that AMDAL must be:

• Objective
• Based on international-style standards
• Conducted in alignment with requirements including ISO references (as mentioned)

The contributor argued that environmental approval should not be influenced by:

• Media narratives
• Investor-driven framing

They also stressed that AMDAL should be handled by experts with relevant domain knowledge.

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Broader Concern: Economic Loss and Capacity Needs

The discussion expanded beyond environmental risks to whether Indonesia would incur economic losses if the data center were delayed or not built. The contributor suggested:

• Quantifying computing and capacity needs (e.g., adequacy of supply until the next year)
• Recognizing that similar controversies have occurred internationally (including references to Malaysia/other regional comparisons mentioned in the transcript)

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Conclusion (Overall Takeaway)

Overall, the coverage depicts BRIN urging resolution through scientific evidence, particularly on groundwater/water impacts and power-water mitigation, while acknowledging the project’s potential benefits.

The core debate centers on:

• Whether AMDAL is being completed objectively and measurably
• Whether temporary permit-related pauses are being described accurately

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Presenters / Contributors

• BRIN representative / AI researcher (speaker representing BRIN)
• Mr. Rananya
• Mr. Gup (mentioned)
• Mr. Regent (regional leader / speaker responding)
• West Java Province Governor (referred to as the provincial authority role)