Interview
From first-generation student to Agri-Food Pioneer: the inspiring journey of Isnawati Hidayah
Alumna Isnawati from Indonesia is the first generation in her family attending university. She chose to study International Development Studies in Wageningen, met her husband there, and was determined to contribute as a scientist and researcher to nutrition security.
Reason to study in Wageningen
Isnawati: "In 2016, while volunteering for the People's Economy Malang Community in East Java, I visited a remote village and met an elderly woman and her daughter, who had multiple disabilities. Living in extreme poverty and hunger, they faced a double burden of deprivation. Witnessing their struggles made me reflect on how I could meaningfully contribute to addressing such challenges. This reflection inspired me to pursue a career as a scientist and researcher, focused on producing findings that directly benefit communities or guide policy. The Master of International Development Studies at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) became a crucial step in my journey, broadening my perspectives and providing the tools and methodologies needed to tackle economic development in the broader context of development studies.
Love blossomed during study period
Living in Wageningen was an enriching experience, where I made lifelong friendships with people from around the world. It was also where I met my husband while we were both pursuing our master’s degrees at WUR, graduating in the same year. WUR played a significant role in shaping our academic, professional and personal journeys, and it sparked our shared passion for sustainable food systems. We continue to collaborate on projects related to these vital topics, carrying forward the values and knowledge WUR instilled in us.
Establishment Independent Research Institute
After completing my Master’s at WUR, I wondered how to apply my knowledge to benefit Indonesia. A late-night discussion with my best friend, Denny Yarmawati, sparked the idea of founding a research institute focused on sustainability and food security. What began as a big dream soon took shape as we gathered like-minded colleagues and fellow WUR alumni M. Syamsu Rizaludin, Imam Mutaqin, and Yogi Nugraha. Together, we formalized our vision, secured legal recognition, and laid the foundation for what became the ROTASI Institute. Eventually, we founded ROTASI Institute which stands for the Institute for Rural Development and Sustainability on 25 January 2020.
I was honored to become the first Executive Director, facing challenges like time constraints, limited funding, and a dispersed team across Indonesia and abroad.
Despite challenges, we coordinated effectively, conducted research to address societal issues, and shared our findings with the public. Though our progress was gradual, our goal remained clear: ensuring research leads to real impact. Now, five years in, ROTASI Institute was honored as Best Research Institute at the 'Indonesia’s SDGs Action Awards 2022' held by BAPPENAS Indonesia (Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Republic of Indonesia).
PhD journey: passion for research
I am currently pursuing a Joint PhD Degree (Cotutela) in the Department of Economics and Law at Sapienza University of Rome and the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at Leiden University Medical Center. I am also a member of the Young Scientists Group at the World Food Forum cohort 2, facilitated by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). My research focuses on poverty, inequality, food security, and malnutrition, as well as rural and gender disparities. My goal is to provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners to address food insecurity and malnutrition in Indonesia, working at the intersection of economic development and public health. Since starting my PhD in 2021, I have focused on research, collaboration, and dissemination through conferences and lectures. As a young mother, I believe everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can contribute to their field and make a meaningful impact, no matter how small.
Despite the demands of starting my PhD programme and being a mother, I remained dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and making a grassroots impact in Indonesia by nurturing ROTASI Institute. I frequently engage in collaborative research projects; my team and I have partnered with the Knowledge Technology and Innovation Group (KTI Group supported by Associate Professor Harro Maat from WUR), Rikolto, Nuffic Neso Southeast Asia, and other organizations. In October 2023, I had the honor of speaking at the World Food Forum Flagship Event held at FAO HQ in Rome. As a representative of the Young Scientists Group and young scientists around the world, I shared valuable insights into the pivotal role young scientists play in combating food insecurity and addressing climate change. Additionally, I was invited by FAO to participate in an interview marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, underscoring the importance of gender equality in scientific endeavors.
My research goes beyond academic papers. With the assistance of our field team in Indonesia, we apply local knowledge at the grassroots level to address food security and malnutrition issues through small-scale pilot projects. I play a key role as one of the consultants and researchers in these initiatives. Our efforts include empowering communities to establish circular economy programmes, providing training, dissemination of information and more. And I had the opportunity to present our works in FAO during the Science and Innovation Forum 2024. In 2025, I was invited by UN Women as an expert for the Expert Group Meeting (EGM), where discussions will shape contributions to the July 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, emphasizing science-based, inclusive solutions to ensure no one is left behind.
