Bekasi Emerges as a Digital Industry Hub as PLN Powers World-Class Data Center Infrastructure.
Amid the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital data storage, one critical requirement often goes unnoticed: a stable and reliable electricity supply.
Addressing this challenge, PT PLN (Persero), through its Central Java Development Main Unit (UIP JBT), achieved a significant milestone by successfully energizing the 150 kV Sukamahi Substation (GI Sukamahi) connected to the KTT 5 Digital Edge 1 customer on June 15, 2026. This accomplishment goes beyond the commissioning of a power infrastructure project. Through this energization, PLN is laying a crucial foundation for the growth of Indonesia’s data center industry, which serves as the backbone of the nation’s digital transformation.
The rapid expansion of the digital economy has significantly increased demand for data centers in recent years. Digital banking services, e-commerce platforms, social media networks, artificial intelligence applications, and electronic government systems all rely on large-capacity data centers that require uninterrupted operations. In this context, the 150 kV Sukamahi Substation, with a capacity of 350 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA), plays a vital role in ensuring a reliable energy supply for Digital Edge, one of Indonesia’s growing world-class data center ecosystems. The facility has been specifically designed to meet the electricity needs of the digital sector, which requires continuous, 24-hour power availability.
Kishartanto Purnomo Putro, General Manager of PLN UIP JBT, emphasized that the successful energization demonstrates PLN’s readiness to support the increasingly competitive growth of Indonesia’s digital industry. According to him, electricity has become a fundamental pillar for the operation of data centers and modern digital services in today’s era of digital transformation.
“Reliable electricity supply is the primary foundation for data center operations, which serve as a key driver of the digital economy. PLN will continue to develop high-quality power infrastructure to strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness on the global stage,” he stated.The presence of the Sukamahi Substation is also expected to enhance the attractiveness of digital investments in West Java, particularly in Bekasi, which has emerged as one of Indonesia’s largest industrial and technology corridors.
The arrival of data center investments extends benefits beyond the technology sector. The development of digital ecosystems surrounding data center facilities has the potential to generate new economic opportunities across various industries, including information technology services, logistics, construction, security services, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These economic activities are expected to create employment opportunities, strengthen digital industry supply chains, and contribute to regional economic growth. As a result, power infrastructure projects such as the Sukamahi Substation are considered strategically important far beyond the energy sector alone.
Haryo Wisnuaji, Manager of PLN’s Central Java Project Implementation Unit 3 (UPP JBT 3), noted that electricity is no longer viewed merely as a basic necessity but as a key enabler of modern economic transformation. He explained that the successful completion of the project was the result of strong collaboration among PLN, local governments, business partners, and surrounding communities.
“The energization of the 150 kV Sukamahi Substation reflects PLN’s commitment to providing reliable energy for world-class data centers and accelerating the growth of Indonesia’s digital economy,” he said.
Competition among Southeast Asian countries is no longer limited to the manufacturing sector. It increasingly centers on attracting investments in data centers and digital services. Countries capable of providing reliable energy infrastructure, robust connectivity, and a competitive investment climate are more likely to become preferred destinations for global technology companies. As demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and digital storage services continues to rise, the availability of stable power infrastructure has become a critical factor influencing investment decisions. Therefore, PLN’s success in delivering reliable electricity to the Digital Edge data center in Bekasi represents a strategic step toward strengthening Indonesia’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital economy hubs.
The successful energization of the 150 kV Sukamahi Substation highlights PLN’s evolving role beyond supplying electricity to households and conventional industries. More importantly, the company is increasingly serving as a catalyst for a future economy driven by technology, innovation, and sustainability. In an era where data has become a valuable commodity and artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, reliable electricity serves as the essential “fuel” that determines a nation’s competitiveness. Through infrastructure projects such as the Sukamahi Substation, Indonesia is becoming increasingly prepared to attract global digital investments and accelerate its transition toward a stronger, technology-based, and sustainable economy.
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