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Indosat Ooredoo Facilitates Chinese AI Firm’s Access too Blocked Nvidia Blackwell GPUs
Jakarta, Indonesia - Indosat Ooredoo, a major Indonesian telecommunications provider, has become a key intermediary allowing Chinese artificial intelligence startup INF Tech to access Nvidia Blackwell GPUs despite U.S. export restrictions, according to reports from KompasTekno and Toms hardware. The deal, finalized after INF Tech secured a contract, involves Indosat Ooredoo’s purchase of 32 shelves of Nvidia GB200/Blackwell GPU servers – totaling 2,304 GPUs – from Aivres at a cost of approximately $100 million (Rp. 1.6 trillion).
The arrangement circumvents direct U.S. restrictions on exporting advanced chips to China by structuring the transaction as a rental agreement. INF Tech is leasing the Nvidia Blackwell GPUs from Indosat Ooredoo, effectively gaining access to the technology without directly purchasing it from an American company. This move highlights a potential workaround for Chinese firms seeking to develop AI capabilities amid escalating technological competition and geopolitical tensions.
The deal underscores the growing demand for advanced AI hardware and the lengths companies are going to secure access. U.S. restrictions, implemented to slow China’s technological advancement and prevent potential military applications, have created a complex landscape for chip procurement.Indosat Ooredoo reportedly began installing the server racks in Jakarta in October 2025.
INF Tech has stated its compliance with U.S. export controls and affirmed it dose not engage in military research. ”Every customer outside Indonesia is subject to the same rules, both US and Chinese companies.If they comply with all the regulations, we support them,” stated Vikram Sinha, CEO of Indosat Ooredoo, confirming the company’s commitment to regulatory adherence.
The transaction raises questions about the effectiveness of export controls and the potential for indirect access to restricted technologies through third-party intermediaries. It also positions Indonesia as a potential hub for companies navigating these complex international trade dynamics.
