Empowering Tomorrow: Tangerang Selatan, Balikpapan and GBPN Agree on Action Plans

Mayoral representatives from two emerging cities in Indonesia came together to agree an action plan towards low carbon emissions through buildings. Both city leaders from Tangerang Selatan and Balikpapan expressed full support to implement decarbonization action plans and integrate it with the long term city development planning.

Mayor’s full support for GBPN & all government agencies involved

Tangerang Selatan City Mayor, Drs. H. Benyamin Davnie, expressed his enthusiasm and support  for GBPN’s initiatives, and the significance of ongoing collaboration with Government Agencies and other key stakeholders moving forward. The endorsement from the city’s leader highlighted the importance assigned to sustainable practices and collaborative efforts by the residents of Tangerang Selatan.

“I am fully supporting GBPN and the government agencies  involved in this initiative.  Carbon reduction and energy conservation, particularly through the adoption of low carbon emission buildings, is one of the core pillars in realising the Tangerang Selatan sustainable vision ‘LESTARI’ (Sustainable).” Said Mayor Benyamin Davnie.

“We aim not only to implement effective measures for energy efficiency in our buildings but also to educate and engage our residents. It is critical to recognize that the successful implementation of this sustainable initiative relies on the active participation and engagement of all stakeholders and the public. Therefore, raising awareness and bridging the knowledge gap is crucial for impactful decarbonization efforts in Tangerang Selatan.” 

Global Building Performance Network (GBPN) showcased achievements in researching the needs for decarbonizing the buildings sector in an action plan. Potential emission reduction was presented in an audience with the Mayor of Tangerang Selatan City and the Mayor of Balikpapan city represented by the City Secretariat of Balikpapan, which includes:

• Data baselining of energy consumptions in buildings
• Potential target savings projections
• Market research and collaborative efforts
• The development of an action plan towards low carbon emissions through buildings.

GBPN Team Yeni Indra, Amir Syarifudin, & Puri Mahestyanti, presenting the potential energy savings to the Mayor of Tangerang Selatan

GBPN Team, Ery Wijaya, Puri Mahestyanti, & Amir Syarifudin with Balikpapan City Secretariat and related agency representatives

Balikpapan City Government Secretariat, Muhaimin, also expresses their full support and commitment to the next step of the implementation in low carbon emission practices, by using their annual award activities called Adiwiyata (Green School Appreciation) to increase participation from the young generations. The city is currently ranked as the second most green school at the national level. Balikpapan will try advising the team to also start  incorporating this with the Adiwiyata Award to increase participation from the young generation.

“As a representative of Balikpapan City Government, I fully support this program that needs further collaboration with the government, universities, and companies,” Mr Muhaimin said. 

“Government will give stimulation and incentives to any education institution that aims for the Adiwiyata Award to promote low carbon practices.”

Collaborative efforts to decarbonize buildings sector in cities

GBPN’s engagement extended beyond statistical analysis, incorporating the insights of local experts through focused group discussions. The collaborative efforts also extended to key government agencies. GBPN Indonesia Country Manager, Dr Ery Wijaya, said it was important to use bottom up approaches from the team when collaborating with the government.

“This holistic approach is essential, as it ensures that the recommendations we propose are not only data-driven but also aligned with the broader development goals of Tangerang Selatan City.” Dr Wijaya said.

“We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach is not enough, that is why we engage in collaborative efforts with the local government and experts in Tangerang Selatan, especially in diverse and quickly growing urban environments,” 

“By engaging with experts through local HIDUP, key government agencies, associations, universities and private sectors, the program identifies and addresses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the city’s expansion. The focus on CO2 emission reduction aligns with national and global climate action, while also strengthening the city’s resilience in the face of climate change.”

Mayor of Tangerang Selatan added that public participation is the key to the success of building decarbonization in any cities.

“How to make this process simple, easy to understand and interesting for the public is the key to active involvement. By fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, we are laying the foundation for lasting change,” Mayor Benyamin Davnie said. 

“Together, we are not just building structures, we are building a sustainable legacy for the future generations of Tangerang Selatan.” 

The team, engaging local experts, academics, through focus group discussions, collaborated with key government agencies in:

In both cities, the action plan is now part of their official strategy for development (RPJPD 2025-2045), making it a central agenda to promote low carbon emissions. This integration ensures that the initiatives are not just ideas but concrete, measurable goals, demonstrating the cities’ commitment and progress towards achieving national targets in Net Zero Emission.