Arifah Hidayati: A Rising Star in Environmental Conservation
Indonesia native Arifah Hidayati is making waves at the Australian National University (ANU) as a Master of Forests student. The young scholar, who recently completed her undergraduate studies in Silviculture and Agroforestry from Universitas Gadjah Mada, has already made significant contributions to environmental conservation.
Hidayati's educational background was marked by a brief stint in the private sector before transitioning back to academia after receiving an Indonesian Endowment Fund scholarship. Before joining ANU's Fenner School of Environment and Society, she worked as a Project Officer for a bilateral peatland restoration project in Sumatra, Indonesia.
When she isn't studying, Hidayati enjoys reading books, exploring Canberra's parks, strolling along Sulli's Creek, and chasing ducks and cockatoos. Her enthusiasm for environmental issues is evident even outside the classroom, where she has joined various student groups, including the ANU Indonesia Institute Postgraduate Workshop and the International Forestry Students' Association.
As a master's student at ANU, Hidayati has had the privilege of attending conferences, such as the Crawford Fund Conference and the World Food Forum Flagship Event 2023. She has also participated in field trips, including one to explore Responsible Wood Production and Conservation practices in the ACT region.
Hidayati's experiences at ANU have been enriching, thanks in part to the support system offered by the university. Her lecturers "are exceptionally friendly" and provide valuable academic guidance, while her participation in extracurricular activities has helped her build connections with like-minded individuals.
Upon completing her studies, Hidayati aims to pursue a career focused on natural resource management and community development in Indonesia or the Asia-Pacific region. Her passion lies in preserving wetland ecosystems without compromising local communities' access to these resources.
Living in Canberra, Hidayati appreciates the city's relaxed pace and proximity to nature. She enjoys exploring the National Library and unwinding by Lake Burley Griffin – "the perfect antidote to the demands of studying," she quips.
Her plans for next year are uncertain but perhaps involve working directly with rural communities or pursuing a PhD to further her research expertise.
For fellow students, Hidayati's final words of advice are simple: don't hesitate to seek help from lecturers and tutors when needed, reach out to ANU Library Skills for guidance, and make the most of networking opportunities. With dedication and enthusiasm, Hidayati's promise suggests a bright future ahead in environmental conservation.