PhD Alumnus Dadan Wardhana

His PhD graduation led to a promotion to work for the Agency for regional planning development, research and innovation in the same government institution. His responsibilities include the development of policies, strategic plans, and budgets related to food systems, SMEs, the tourism sector, investments, industries, trade, and other economic and natural resource sub-sectors in Bandung.

Furthermore, he is a guest lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics at the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Economics and Business at the Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) in Indonesia. His research is focused on SDG2, SDG11, and SDG12, and specifically includes the economic aspects of agricultural policies, sustainable food systems and regional and rural development.

“I like the work that I do because it requires a lot of discussions and collaboration among many actors and integration among many relevant and related aspects. Ultimately, the policies we develop are tailored to empower marginalised groups of people. I find it challenging and enjoyable at the same time”.

When asked about what he learned during his time with the AEP group that really helps him in his job today, he answered: “I found that the academic atmosphere of working with colleagues of the AEP group was diverse, delightful, and fruitful. Besides completing my PhD journey, I would say that I am longing for the AEP sharing sessions in formal and informal ways, such as during our morning coffee breaks, group excursions, or weekly seminars. This offered me the confidence to build professional networks that are certainly useful for my job tasks today. I have also copied such a working environment in my current job surroundings”.