Indonesians Protest as Data Centres Drain Water in Batam

Residents of Batam, Indonesia, are facing difficulties in cooking and bathing due to dry taps, leading to protests against data centres fueling the AI boom. The local water utility reported that the area is experiencing a long drought exacerbated by a strong El Nino cycle. However, the anger has been directed at the data centres, which consume significant amounts of water to operate. These protests highlight the growing tension between local community needs and the demands of the expanding AI industry. A careful balance is required between technological development and the preservation of natural resources.