Makassar, which is the fourth largest city in Indonesia and the largest in Eastern Indonesia, was chosen as the host for Technical Guidance (bimtek) activities for the Implementation of Government Building Energy Management in the Sulawesi Province and Maluku Province. This technical guidance aims to increase the knowledge and techniques of government building managers in increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the implementation of energy management in their respective institutions.

The Makassar Bimtek which was held from 27 February to 1 March 2024 was the sixth technical guidance as a result of collaboration between the IREEM and HAKE consortium and the Directorate of Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in the UK-PACT MENTARI Energy Efficiency program. The speakers during Bimtek Makassar were energy conservation experts including: Mr. Parlindungan Marpaung, Mr. Gunawan Wibisono, Mr. Totok Sulistiyanto, and Mrs. Rahmi Andarini.

Apart from representatives of SKPD/Regency/City Governments in Sulawesi Island and Maluku Islands, participants of the Makassar Bimtek included Ministries and Institutions from the Central Government, SKPD of Aceh Province, and Alfamart. A total of 58 participants from 40 agencies attended the Makassar Bimtek, with women making up 22% of the participants.

In his statement, the Head of the South Sulawesi Province ESDM, represented by Mr. Andi Ishak, conveyed the full support of the South Sulawesi Provincial Government for the Makassar Bimtek activities. These initiatives align with the national policy aimed at accelerating the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector and transitioning towards low-carbon energy, ultimately aiming for net zero emissions by 2060. To advance this national goal, the South Sulawesi Provincial Government has enacted Regional Regulation no. 2 of 2022 concerning the General Regional Energy Plan for South Sulawesi Province. This regulation governs the development of new renewable energy sources in South Sulawesi, focusing on energy availability, development, and the utilization of regional energy resources.

Mr. Hendro Gunawan, the Coordinator of the Energy Conservation Technical Guidance from ESDM, representing the Director of Energy Conservation, inaugurated the event series with the hope that the Makassar Bimtek would enhance the capacity of SKPDs from central and regional government agencies in understanding energy conservation policies. He also aims to broaden participants' knowledge about energy management systems based on ISO 50005:2021.

The technical guidance materials provide practical insights into enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and incorporate content from ISO 50005:2021, offering a systematic approach to managing energy management systems. During the training, participants also engaged in exercises to calculate Energy Consumption Intensity (IKE). Furthermore, the training content encompasses the application of energy efficiency in buildings, highlighting sustainable practices in building design and operations. Emphasis is placed on minimizing environmental impact and enhancing energy efficiency through strategies such as optimizing building envelope systems, lighting, air conditioning, electrical systems, and other major energy-consuming equipment.

Participants actively engage in energy management reporting using the Energy Management Online Reporting (POME) application administered by the Energy Conservation Directorate. This aligns with the government's dedication to enhancing energy efficiency, as reflected in the energy management reporting requirements for significant energy users outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 33 of 2023 concerning Energy Conservation. This regulation extends the coverage of energy management reporting beyond the industrial sector to include buildings, transportation, and government agencies.

Through this technical guidance program, it is hoped that Makassar Bimtek participants will be able to implement energy management as mandated by Article 37 of Government Regulation no. 33 of 2023 concerning Energy Conservation, which emphasizes the obligations of the Government and Regional Governments in carrying out Energy Conservation programs through the implementation of Energy Management. Thus, energy conservation efforts are not only an individual responsibility, but also an integral part of public policy that aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.