Balikpapan to cut buildings sector emissions

Balikpapan City Government in Indonesia is embarking on implementation of a strategic plan to reduce buildings sector emissions, which is one of the largest sources of climate change-causing emissions. Together with GBPN, Balikpapan has convened a key meeting to advance energy conservation strategies and strengthen the city’s efforts toward decarbonizing its building sector. This strategic initiative is part of Balikpapan’s broader commitment to implementing Sustainable Building practices, furthering the city’s contribution to Indonesia’s national climate goals.

The meeting represents the next stage in the collaboration between Balikpapan City and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, which have been supported by GBPN in this goal since 2022. It was attended by Balikpapan City Interim Mayor, Ahmad Muzakkir; Regional Secretary, Muhaimin; Head of Regional Development Planning, Murni; and Balikpapan high-ranking officials.

Mayor Ahmad Muzakkir highlighted the importance of engaging a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the success of these initiatives.

“The involvement of building experts, associations, universities, and the private sector is crucial to ensure that the green building concepts we’re developing are both practical and widely accepted. This collaboration will accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly building practices in Balikpapan.” Mr Muzakkir said.

“It’s essential to encourage public participation in energy-saving efforts. We need to provide clear, accessible information to raise awareness and inspire action. Incentives will play a big role in making low-emission green buildings more attractive to the public.”

The meeting strengthened Balikpapan’s commitment to becoming a model city for low-carbon green buildings in Indonesia. Through the development of technical guidelines and the implementation of an Energy Conservation Action Plan, the city aims to deliver measurable carbon reductions and help achieve national climate targets, especially in the building sector.

Regional Secretary of Balikpapan City, Muhaimin, said he is committed to continue and implement the action plan that will be integrated in the city’s five years plan. He commended the progress that Balikpapan have made with GBPN, emphasizing the city’s potential to set an example for other regions in Indonesia.

“Our collaboration with GBPN has been highly productive, and we are ready to implement data-driven recommendations to achieve our goals. Balikpapan’s success can serve as a blueprint for other cities in Indonesia.”

“We will accept various data-based recommendations and will continue to dialogue with stakeholders in Balikpapan City.”

GBPN Indonesia Senior Manager, Yeni Indra, also added the importance of a tailored approach to encourage policy reforms that can be implemented at the city level and in line with the development direction of Balikpapan City.

“The output of this activity can provide a comprehensive understanding of the energy saving potential and strategic planning needed to implement energy efficient buildings at the city level,” Ms Indra said.

The discussions centered on aligning national policies with local action, focusing on three core activities:

1. The development of technical guidelines for green building implementation;
2. Stakeholder capacity building;
3. A peer-to-peer learning initiative that positions Balikpapan as a mentor for other cities in developing energy conservation action plans for the building sector.

With strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and local communities, Balikpapan is poised to lead the way in sustainable urban development, accelerating Indonesia’s journey toward achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and creating greener, more resilient cities.