Congratulations on your recent graduation! What was your thesis about?
Yes, I was recently awarded the degree of PhD! My thesis, Assessing the conservation status of mammals in human-modified landscapes in Sumatra, comprises four stand-alone data chapters that investigate 1) a study on medium-large mammals in the last 20 years in Indonesia, 2) the distribution of Asian tapir across Sumatra island, 3) the adoption of nature-based solutions approach that benefit biodiversity in modified tropical peatland, and 4) mammal status in an ecosystem restoration initiative. Two of these have been published with Oryx journals and the last two are still in the process for publication.
What made you choose this area?
I’ve always been passionate about wildlife. When I was doing my undergraduate course in Biology, I told myself that I’d love to contribute to wildlife conservation. Two years later, I got my first conservation job and trained myself to be a practitioner. Five years later, I’ve pursued my academic journey, gaining a postgraduate diploma and a PhD. My research is, in essence, my vision to put the knowledge I’ve attained into practice.
What’s a memorable story from your PhD?
This PhD journey has been so memorable and unforgettable. I started during the COVID pandemic in 2021. So, my first year was spent indoors. My camera trapping fieldwork was carried out during my second year, for twelve months in total, as it was delayed for three months due to a health condition that required me to have major surgery. Doing fieldwork in peatswamp had been so challenging yet fun! Though the land is relatively flat, the soils remind unstable and wet, and the weather is extremely humid. Some trips started while it was flooded. On average, we could walk for just 2km between 9am – 3pm (we restricted our movement hours to avoid Sumatran tiger as they are active during dusk and dawn). We often spotted venomous snakes, and as almost always seems to happen during our trips, one of the field team got stung by wasps! I was stung once in three spots! Bad headache for like a half of hour and wasn’t able to sleep that night.
Despite those challenges, having easy-going team members that I got along with was such a blessing. Though we were physically exhausted, we were mentally happy. The journey went on and got very intense during the last year, which was a critical time to finish the analysis and write. Back in my hometown, my mom passed while I was away. I was so devastated and desperate – I blamed my PhD, and even considered to terminate my study. Instead, I took an intermission and navigated my way back to my PhD. I received an immense amount of support from my friends and supervisor and counselling for students while finishing up my PhD. I had my Viva remotely from my home country in March, since my visa had expired. Initially, I thought there wouldn’t be typical DICE after-Viva celebration. However, I got surprises from my friends, colleagues, and family! Lots of presents, including a stuffed tiger toy that I called “Babi” (English translation: pig. Contradicting? Yeah). I passed with minor corrections, and my corrections have been approved!
This PhD has been a challenging 4+ year journey! But it’s a trip that lots of people have contributed to, both professionally and personally. This new title of mine was formed by the collective efforts from my supervisory members, the people from Riau Ecosystem Restoration, DICE colleagues, friends, PhD examiners, my family, and my fiancé.
What’s next for you?
Next, I’d love to continue my journey doing more research investigating the dynamic of mammal distribution in the production-protection landscape, or conducting the research for my PhD to provide science-based evidence in managing this landscape. I would also provide a tool for the managers for managing and presenting the survey results. Not just there, I’m also hoping to get my second Masters in Statistical Ecology – deeply inspired by Mike Meredith and Nicolas Deere!