Batam Sets Target for Expanding data Center Business

Kamis, 20 Desember 2012 (Sumber : The Jakarta Post)

The Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP FTZ Batam) has excellent opportunities to tap into thye potential of the data center bussiness, thank to adequate avaibility of the broadband-based Internet network on the island and its strategic position as a hub of the fiber optic network in the Asia Pasific.

In 2010, BP FTZ Batambuilts its Information Technology Center on an area of 7,320 square meters, adopting a modern building concept emphasizing security, reliability, efficiency, avaibility as well as environmentally friendly principles.

Working in Batam's favor for the development of the sector os Government Regulation No. 82/2012 on Implementation of Electronic Systems and Transaction Operations, issued on Oct. 15, 2012. Among its tenets is that implementation of an electronics systems as a public service must have a sustainable plan of action to cope with disturbances or disasters. It underscores that the positioning of data centers in Indonesia must conform to the law, and ensure the protection and sovereignty of the nation concerning the data of its citizens.

Geographically, Batam is at a safe distant from disaster-prone areas, making use of the BP FTZ Batam Data Center for Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) an outstanding chioce for provate companies and the government.

Donald Panjaitan, head of the Data Processing Center and Information System (PDSI) of BP FTZ, said many companies in Batam affiliated with foreign enterprises required a data center that could also double as a disaster recovery center.

"Today, a disaster recovery center is a prerequisite in globalized business. and our facilities and network makes it possible for remote data communications that are accessible worldwide for real delivery required by companies," said Donald.

Donald said the center was undergoing certification as a Disaster Recovery Facility Provider using the Singapore Standart-507, and was enhancing its facilities to conform with tier-3 classification of The Standard Telecomunication Industry Association (TIA)-942.

The 1,220 square mtere data center has a capacity of 143 racks and has interconnection with the entire working units of BP FTZ Batam using a 105 kilometer fiber optic network. It also has Fixed Line telephone network as well as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP). It is conected with the Palapa ring fiber optic network. It is not within any geological fracture and is not prone to tsunami disasters.

currently the interior Ministry has placede-ID cards at the IT Center of BP FTZ Batam. Other tenants are the communications and Information Ministry, Research, and Technology Application Agency, Capital Investment Coordinating Agency, National Development Planning Agency, Pharmaceutical and Food Supervisory Agency, Transportation Ministry, Nuclear Power Supervisory Agency, Energy and Mineral Recources Ministry and the National Archives.

"At the present we are also aiming or targeting at IT companies which want to place their data centers ini Indonesia. With our facilities and high standard we are confident that we can compete  with other data centers in Indonesia. Other areas here do not have a geographical position like Batam and we are very close to Singapore which is famous as the IT gateway in Asia Pasific," said Donald.

Due to its superior facilities and features, many foreign companies operating in Batam have aproached BP FTZ Batam on the viability of using the center. "Several companies operating in Batam have approached us about placing their data centers here," said Donald.