BDx Breaks Ground on 640MW AI Data Center in West Java
Construction has begun on a six-building campus in Indonesia, designed to handle high-density AI workloads with direct liquid cooling.
Key points
- The 640MW campus in West Java supports up to 500kW per rack using liquid cooling.
- The facility secures 845MVA of grid power from PLN, with hydroelectric options nearby.
- The first 120MW building is scheduled to enter service in early 2027.
BDx Data Centers has broken ground on a new 640-megawatt AI data center campus in Jatiluhur, West Java. The project, dubbed AI Campus 2, represents a significant expansion of high-performance computing infrastructure in Southeast Asia. It is designed specifically to support the energy-intensive demands of modern artificial intelligence workloads.
The facility is backed by 845 megavolt-amperes of secured grid capacity from Indonesia's state utility, PLN. According to a report via PR Newswire, the first building is expected to enter service in early 2027. This initial phase will deliver 120 megawatts of IT capacity, marking the start of a three-year development timeline for the entire six-building complex.
High-Density Cooling Architecture
Unlike traditional data centers that rely heavily on air conditioning, this campus uses a direct-to-chip liquid-cooling system. This technology circulates coolant directly to the processors, allowing the facility to support up to 500 kilowatts per rack. This density is necessary for current and future AI accelerators, which generate significantly more heat than standard server hardware.
Power and Energy Trade-Offs
The campus is located just five kilometers from the Jatiluhur Dam, which facilitates access to hydroelectric power. BDx is actively pursuing this lower-carbon energy arrangement to offset the heavy electricity consumption of AI training runs. However, the reliance on a single grid source and the massive power draw of 845 MVA present logistical and environmental challenges that require careful management.
Strategic Positioning in Asia-Pacific
Indonesia offers a unique combination of available grid capacity and large-scale land availability, making it an attractive hub for hyperscalers. The project is supported by a US$320 million loan facility secured in 2026. While the infrastructure is built for global customers, local officials emphasize that it will also serve domestic government agencies and enterprises, creating skilled jobs in the region.
