Diving into Impact: Yusmiana Puspitaningsih Rahayu Path from Researcher to Climate Solutions
When Yusmiana Puspitaningsih Rahayu (Ayu) joined Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in 2008, she expected a career grounded in routine marine research. Her path soon shifted in an unexpected direction. She became drawn to one of the most urgent frontiers in climate science, blue carbon—the carbon captured and stored by coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrass.
While mangroves have long attracted scientific and policy attention, seagrass remains largely overlooked. For Ayu, this gap was not a limitation, but an opportunity.
‘Data on seagrass carbon capacity in Indonesia was very limited. That gap motivated me to focus my research on this ecosystem,’ Ayu said.
Driven by curiosity, Ayu began to see how science could directly inform climate solutions. Her work in the Ministry’s Blue Carbon Research Group deepened this conviction, but also revealed the need for stronger technical expertise and global exposure to maximise her impact.
After completing a double-degree masters in Environmental Science with Universitas Padjadjaran and the University of Twente, Ayu secured an Australia Awards Scholarship in 2020 to pursue a PhD in Marine Science at The University of Western Australia.
Researching the Power of Seagrass
Ayu’s doctoral research addressed a critical evidence gap by quantifying the carbon storage potential of Indonesia’s seagrass ecosystems and exploring how restoration could enhance it.
‘Blue carbon ecosystems like seagrass and mangroves act as natural carbon sinks. But for seagrass, the data in Indonesia was very limited,’ Ayu explained.
Her research initially focused on fieldwork in Indonesia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid pivot.
‘I arrived in Australia in January 2020, and by March, borders were closed. We had to adapt quickly,’ she said.
Under the guidance of Professor Gary Kendrick, she conducted part of her research in Shark Bay, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage site known for its extensive seagrass meadows. There, she analysed sediment samples from restored seagrass sites of varying ages, generating insights into early-stage carbon accumulation.
‘We measured sediment samples from meadows that had been restored for different periods, less than a year, two years and two and a half years. The study provided valuable insights into the early recovery process,’ she explained.
Back in Indonesia, her research extended to Pulau Pari in the Thousand Islands. Through this study, she found that a small restoration site had naturally expanded over time.
‘It showed that under the right environmental conditions, seagrass restoration can thrive and continue storing carbon over time,’ she explained.
By linking insights from Australia and Indonesia, Ayu’s work strengthened the scientific foundation for blue carbon development. Her findings have contributed to Indonesia’s national carbon inventory and reinforced the role of seagrass as a viable nature-based climate solution.
Resilience, Adaptation and Growth
Beyond technical expertise, Ayu’s experience in Australia demanded adaptability and resilience.
‘I learned that research in Australia is very independent. In Indonesia, we often rely on local technicians or community help for logistics. In Australia, we did everything ourselves,’ she reflected.
From managing field logistics to conducting underwater sampling and ensuring safety protocols, Ayu developed a high degree of self-reliance and problem-solving capability. These challenges, compounded by isolation during the pandemic, tested her emotional resilience.
‘There were moments when I felt very down. But I learned to regulate my emotions and bounce back,’ she said.
Supported by a strong academic environment and peer networks, she emerged not only as a more capable researcher but also as a more self-aware and resilient professional.
‘We were encouraged to apply for research grants, even small ones. I failed many times, but those failures built my mental resilience,’ she recalled.
Rather than deterring her, these setbacks sharpened her strategic thinking and perseverance. In 2023, her persistence was rewarded with the prestigious Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Scholarship, a two-year grant supporting doctoral research in climate-related fields.
‘That experience taught me to see rejection not as failure, but as part of the journey,’ she reflected.
Turning Research into Policy Impact
During her PhD, Indonesia’s research sector underwent major restructuring, and Ayu transitioned to the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This shift positioned her at the intersection of science and policy at a critical moment.
Upon returning to Indonesia in 2024, she immediately began integrating blue carbon into national climate strategies.
‘Previously, the coastal sector wasn’t considered in emission reduction targets. Only forestry, energy and waste were counted. But now, seagrass and mangroves are being pushed to be included in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC),’ she added.
Ayu’s research has provided essential evidence for policymakers, supporting the development of methodologies to measure and account for blue carbon. Her work contributes to shaping Presidential and Ministerial regulations that will define how coastal ecosystems are integrated into Indonesia’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
‘Accurate data is essential. Without reliable measurements, it’s hard to show the real value of our coastal ecosystems in mitigating climate change,’ she explained.
Building Regional and Global Collaboration
Her commitment to collaboration also defines Ayu’s work. Through her connection with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), she became part of an international network of blue carbon researchers.
‘My CSIRO supervisor often reminded me that research should not stand alone; it should connect people and knowledge across borders. That perspective really influenced how I approach collaboration today,’ Ayu said.
This perspective has shaped her approach to multidisciplinary collaboration, resulting in joint publications and regional knowledge exchange across Southeast Asia and beyond.
She has also contributed to applied research projects, including field-based collaboration in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia and an ongoing partnership between CSIRO and BRIN.
More recently, Ayu has been involved in a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) initiative to develop Blue Carbon Profiling modules for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
Leading Indonesia’s Blue Carbon Community
In addition to her formal role, Ayu plays a key leadership role in strengthening Indonesia’s scientific community. As Person-in-Charge of the Blue Carbon Working Group within the Indonesian Marine Biogeochemistry Forum (IMBF), she facilitates knowledge exchange among researchers, students and practitioners.
‘The goal is to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration between institutions and individuals,’ she said.
Ayu continues to expand her impact through research and applied initiatives. In 2025, she contributed to a Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Indonesia project assessing emissions from degraded seagrass ecosystems.
She also co-developed a national manual for measuring seagrass blue carbon, published in December 2025. This study provides practical guidance for researchers and practitioners across nationwide.
Her contributions have gained national recognition. In 2026, she was named one of the ‘10 Inspiring Indonesian Women in Marine Conservation’ by Coral Catch.
For Ayu, the Australia Awards experience was not just an academic achievement. It was a catalyst for long-term impact.
Now, she is preparing for the next phase of her journey, with plans to pursue postdoctoral research and further strengthen international collaboration.
‘Blue carbon is now gaining more attention globally, and Indonesia has so much potential to contribute. I want to help ensure our research is part of that conversation,’ she said.
