Dody Rukman

How did you get into the work you do presently?

I have always worked for nature conservation since the first job that I had back in 1990. In 2012, WWF Indonesia requested me to manage an ecosystem restoration project to save remaining forests in central Sumatra region. The project area contained Sumatran elephants, Sumatran tigers and was the location of a Sumatran orangutan reintroduction program. My job was to secure a license for a newly established private company we named PT Alam Bukit Tigapuluh and to oversee a conservation project in Tebo District, Jambi Province. Having assisted the birth of this ecosystem restoration concession, in 2018 I was once again requested to nurture the company and the concession blocks. Thus, my adventure with PT ABT team begun!

Describe the main aspects of your work:

I oversee the whole implementation of PT ABT operations, translated from our mission and obligation to the government. The activities range from forest protection, community empowerment to business development. In the high level, I must ensure that the governments are well informed on PT ABT works and achievemen

What do you like best about your job?

Our mission is to protect and restore remaining forest to fully function as wildlife habitat of key species and provide a source of livelihood for local and customary communities. Visiting the concession blocks and having an unexpected wildlife encounter or having a conversation with indigenous people living in the blocks saying that our concession helps to secure their source of livelihood are my fuel to keep moving forward against all the odds of sustainable forest management.