Photo courtesy of Handoko Adi Sustano
Handoko Adi Susanto is a marine and coastal management expert from Indonesia who serves as the interim Executive Director at the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action program, or ATSEA. In a GEF Voices interview, he shared insights from his life’s work to protect the ocean and the people who depend on it, worldwide and for the long term.
What do you do for a living?
I work to protect the ocean and the people who depend on it. As the interim Executive Director of ATSEA, I lead regional collaboration among Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste to ensure the Arafura and Timor Seas ecosystems remain healthy and productive for generations to come. My role involves bringing together governments, scientists, and coastal communities to find solutions that balance conservation with sustainable development.
How did you get into this line of work?
My journey began with a deep fascination for the ocean. Growing up in Indramayu, a small coastal city in Indonesia, I was surrounded by the sea, which shaped my curiosity about marine ecosystems. This interest led me to study marine science and later work on conservation programs across Southeast Asia. Over the years, I realized that protecting the ocean is not just about science. It is also about working with people. That is what keeps me motivated. I am always looking for ways to connect knowledge, policy, and community action to create real change.
Is there a GEF-funded project or program that is close to your heart?
ATSEA holds a special place in my heart because it embodies a constructive vision for regional cooperation in ocean governance. It has brought together countries, scientists, and coastal communities to protect a very large shared marine ecosystem.
The sustainability of the Arafura and Timor Seas matters a great deal. These waters are incredibly rich in marine life and support millions of people, yet they face increasing threats from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Through ATSEA, we are working across borders to improve fisheries management, protect marine habitats, empower coastal communities, and improve livelihoods. One of the most rewarding aspects of this work has been seeing local communities take ownership of conservation efforts.
What makes ATSEA special is its evolution from a GEF-funded project into a long-term program. Its success shows how regional collaboration can grow stronger over time and how shared commitment can lead to lasting change. Through this work I have seen that sustainability is possible when people are fully involved and committed.
Has anyone you have met through your work made a lasting impact on you?
One of the people who left a lasting impact on me was one of my professors at IPB University in Indonesia. He came from a fishing family and built a successful career in marine science and management.
He introduced me to the concept of spatial harmony and carrying capacity. Spatial harmony is about making sure that the way we use land and sea fits well with the surrounding environment. Carrying capacity means understanding how much we can take from nature without damaging it. These ideas taught me that natural resources are meant to support human well-being, but only if we use them wisely and within limits. We need to balance development by considering environmental, economic, and social needs together.
He was also one of the founders of the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies at IPB and later served as Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. His journey inspired me to believe that the ocean is truly a source of life. His dedication to marine conservation and his efforts to bridge science, policy, and community action continue to motivate me in my own work.
What life lessons has working on environmental issues taught you?
Working in this field has taught me the importance of having deep environmental ethics. As humans, we have a responsibility to maintain the balance between nature and our needs, not only for economic gain but also for the sake of ecology and future generations.
I once worked in Lampung, Indonesia, where I witnessed how the destruction of mangrove forests for shrimp farming led to severe coastal erosion. About 70 percent of the mangroves were damaged. Out of 160,000 hectares, around 136,000 hectares were lost. That experience was a powerful reminder of how short-term decisions can lead to long-term damages. It showed me that protecting nature is not optional. It is our obligation.
The state of the environment can be concerning. What gives you hope?
Throughout my career, apart from so many problems and its complexity, I have seen firsthand that at the community level, there are so many good practices we can learn from. Many still hold on to traditional wisdom and practices that help them take care of the environment in a sustainable way. These local actions may seem small, but they contribute to a much bigger picture.
One example is “sasi,” a traditional rule followed in some parts of eastern Indonesia. It places a temporary ban on harvesting natural resources at sea for a certain period of time, allowing nature a chance to recover. It is a great example of how communities have long managed their marine resources wisely and with deep respect for the marine environment.
What gives me hope is seeing these efforts being amplified. Small-scale conservation initiatives are adding up to global solutions. At the same time, the global momentum for environmental protection is growing. More people, communities, and governments are taking action. This collective movement reassures me that the work we do is not only making a difference locally, but is also contributing to a larger impact for our planet.
What message do you have for today’s leaders about the ocean?
We only have one ocean, and it connects us all. What happens in one part of the sea can affect ecosystems and communities far beyond national borders. This is why real collaboration is needed. Individual efforts are not enough.
Political leaders need to recognize that the ocean must be a top priority. It is not just an environmental concern. It is also a powerful source of sustainable economic growth, if managed wisely and fairly.
What is often missing is the attention, willingness and long-term commitment to protect it. Co-management, shared responsibility, and strong political will are important. The future of our ocean depends on the decisions we make today.
What advice would you give a young person who is interested in a career related to the environment?
There is still so much we do not know about the ocean. It holds incredible potential, and we have only just begun to understand and explore it. If we truly understood how important the ocean is to our lives, we would also realize how valuable it really is. For young people who are interested in working in this field, I would say stay curious, keep learning, and believe in your ability to make a difference. The ocean needs people with passion and new ideas. Every step you take can contribute to something meaningful.
