Indonesia manages AI growth through water infrastructure and education

Indonesia is navigating the infrastructure and educational demands of a growing digital economy driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the technology sector, the rise of AI has led to a surge in data center demand, which in turn requires significant water resources for cooling and operations. Riana Afriadi, Director of Perumda Air Minum Gapura Tirta Rahayu, noted that while data centers present a challenge for water allocation, they also offer a business opportunity for water utility providers. Revenue from large-scale industrial clients can be reinvested into improving water infrastructure and distribution networks.

Simultaneously, the Indonesian government is working to integrate AI and coding into the national curriculum. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti reported that while coding and AI are offered as elective subjects from elementary through high school, implementation has only reached 25 percent of schools. To expand this coverage, the government is focusing on teacher competency through training programs and collaborations with higher education institutions.