BATAM: Cooking and bathing became difficult when taps ran dry in Batam, an Indonesian island where residents are protesting as data centres spring up to power the global artificial intelligence boom.

The area had suffered a “long drought” caused by low rainfall, the local water utility operator told AFP, as a strong El Niño cycle exacerbates dry conditions.

But, as in other countries, anger has been directed at data centres, warehouse-like facilities that keep apps and artificial intelligence tools running, with water often used to cool their humming servers.

Frustration is growing in Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in regions bordering Singapore that are seen as prime locations for new technology facilities.