LG CNS to build Korea’s 1st overseas AI data center

A rendered illustration of LG CNS’ upcoming hyperscale artificial intelligence data center in Jakarta, Indonesia / Courtesy of LG CNS

LG CNS is set to become the first Korean company to build an artificial intelligence (AI) data center overseas, with plans to complete a 100 billion won ($75 million) hyperscale facility in Jakarta by the end of 2026.

The company announced Wednesday that its joint venture with Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Group, LG Sinarmas Technology Solutions, has signed an agreement with Kuningan Mas Gemilang (KMG) to build the center.

The new data center will accommodate more than 100,000 servers simultaneously with a power supply capacity of 30 megawatts in an 11-story building. After the initial construction, KMG plans to expand the total power supply capacity to 220 megawatts, aiming to make it Indonesia’s largest data center.

KMG is a joint venture by Sinar Mas Group and Korea Investment Real Asset Management to build an AI data center in the country. The group has been focusing data centers and cloud as future growth engines and chose LG CNS as a partner in its pursuit.

Following the consulting and development contract for the AI data center with KMG last year, LG CNS has now landed its construction deal to oversee the entire infrastructure for the project, including cooling systems, power and telecommunications.

“We will build a cutting-edge AI data center that enhances customer value by bringing together LG CNS’ capabilities and expertise on data centers,” LG CNS CEO Hyun Shin-gyoon said.

“Leveraging this project, we aim to expand our AI data center business in Southeast Asia — including Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia — and globally.”

The company will apply integrated solutions to the project, leveraging its top-tier expertise in data center design, construction and operation, along with LG Electronics’ advanced cooling technology and LG Energy Solution’s battery systems.

It will also build a power system to reliably support high-density racks that require up to 130 kilowatts each, accommodating a higher concentration of graphics processing units per rack for stability. The company will implement backup infrastructure for uninterrupted around-the-clock operation even if the main power supply is disrupted.

The data center will let tenants freely choose their internet providers, allowing them to select or set up the connections that best suit their business. Located in central Jakarta, the site is well-positioned to become a future network hub, offering easy access to national and international networks.

Over 30 years, LG CNS has successfully designed, built and operated numerous data centers locally and internationally. In Korea, it operates and manages nine data centers, making it the biggest data center operator in Korea.