The wave of investment in artificial intelligence (AI)-based data center development in Indonesia is predicted to become a new driving force for national job absorption. However, this bright prospect faces reality in the form of a significant competency gap between industry needs and the availability of local human resources (HR).
Erick Hadi, Head of Talent Development & Industry Certification at the Indonesian Data Center Provider Association (IDPRO), revealed that a single large-scale data center facility can absorb 900 to 2,000 workers during the construction phase. As an illustration, a 500-megawatt capacity project currently booming in the Bekasi and Cikarang areas requires an average workforce ranging from 1,600 to 2,000 people.
The demand for workers does not stop when the project is completed. Erick emphasized that the operational phase, maintenance, and the development of supporting ecosystems will continue to require professionals with specialized expertise. Unfortunately, to date, there are no formal education programs or specialized training designed to meet the specific needs of the data center industry.
Moving forward, the industry requires cross-sector synergy to close the talent gap. The need for skilled HR spans various lines, ranging from data center operators, technical vendors, specialized contractors, to supporting service providers, all of which must meet strict competency standards to ensure the sustainability of digital infrastructure in Indonesia.
