The scarcity of fossil fuels has prompted many countries, including Indonesia, to use renewable energy. Eastern Indonesia has many potentials of renewable energy that can be utilized to generate electricity in remote areas.
The lecturer of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics stated that the government is intensely reinforcing the development of renewable energy in Eastern Indonesia. A number of partnerships with both domestic and foreign partners are formed to set up renewable energy in the region.
The event was joined by 28 renewable energy agents in Eastern Indonesia, previously selected from 2,000 applicants. They had the chance to join in three stages of the workshop and an award project, also the Pre-Award Workshop from 7-8 May 2018, in Makassar. The Pre-Award Workshop was a preparation for participants before departure to Australia for the two-week short course at Griffith University, Brisbane and Canberra in August 2018.
In the three-day event, all participants learned about technology and policies regarding renewable energy in Australia and Indonesia, along with Australian Consul General in Makassar. Participants were also given the chance to join a discussion session with other energy practitioners from various regions and sectors and to present the Award Project that will be performed after completing this program.
In addition, participants went on a visit to Jeneponto Regency, South Sulawesi. Jeneponto Regency is a prototype district of renewable energy in Sulawesi and it is currently making policies that encourage investment in renewable energy. The visit proceeded with a trip to Tolo Wind Power Plant located in Jenepoto Regency.
The program is one type of partnership between the Australian and Indonesian governments as a support for renewable energy development in Indonesia, particularly in the Eastern Indonesia region. Participation from UGM also showed that UGM is ready to foster experts and the next generation of renewable energy in Indonesia.
