Our people

Ari Rakatama

Consultant

Ari Rakatama

Location

Indonesia

Languages

English, Indonesian

Ari is a Consultant with a strong environmental economics background applied to forestry, land use, agriculture, renewable energy, clean technology, SMEs, and rural development. He has experienced a broad range of low-carbon and climate-resilient projects in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, and Eastern Europe. He has also helped clients access multiple sources of climate finance, including GCF and GEF. He has provided consultancy services for prominent international organisations such as the UNIDO, GCF, GIZ, UK-FCDO, GGGI, STC, OSF, TNC, and Greenpeace.

Qualifications

PhD – Environmental and Resource Economics – University of Western Australia
MSc – Environmental and Energy Management – University of Twente
BSc – Agricultural Social Economics – University of Lampung

A Q&A with Ari Rakatama

In a nutshell, tell us about yourself.

Entering forestry vocational school when I was 15, I was aware of the importance of forest conservation in climate change mitigation. When I was 18 and graduated from school, I started my career as a field staff for the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Then, I realised that the root of environmental problems, particularly in developing countries, is ‘money’, driving almost all human activities that are harmful to the environment. This encouraged me to study more about the economy and social issues. Beyond forestry, I have expanded my knowledge and skills on broader environmental and climate issues, including energy, industry, water, and waste. I believe that environmental, social, and economic interests should walk hand in hand. As a simple and goal-oriented person, I am always looking for effectiveness and efficiency in accommodating social, environmental, and economic interests for a program or a project.

What drives you to do this kind of work?

A commitment to sustainability, creating meaningful community impact, addressing global environmental challenges, advancing low-carbon solutions, and empowering others through climate finance drive my passion for this vital work.

How do you see the world in 25 years?

A world more resilient, with widespread adoption of clean technology, sustainable practices, and equitable access to resources, yet still facing challenges from climate change, requiring continued innovation and global cooperation.