Dr. Dadang I K Mujiono

I am a researcher and lecturer specializing in maritime governance, eco-tourism, and the socio-political dynamics of coastal and sea communities in Indonesia, particularly in the Derawan Archipelago.

I earned my Bachelor's degree (S.Sos.) in International Relations from Universitas Mulawarman in 2011, where I examined aviation liberalization in Southeast Asia under the ASEAN Open Sky Policy. I later completed my Master's degree (M.A.) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, focusing on non-traditional security challenges faced by border communities in the Indonesia–Malaysia region, with a case study of Sebatik Island.

In 2013, after completing my master's degree, I joined the Department of International Relations at Universitas Mulawarman as a permanent lecturer at the age of 23. My teaching and research focus on maritime studies, multi-track diplomacy, eco-tourism, and border governance. I encourage students to understand international relations from Indonesia's coastal and island perspectives, including the roles of non-state actors in international affairs.

In addition to teaching and research, I serve as a reviewer for Bhuvana: Journal of Global Studies, managed by Universitas Satya Negara Indonesia, contributing to the peer-review process and interdisciplinary scholarship on environmental governance and global issues.

I also write for local, national, and international media on topics ranging from local and national politics to environmental conservation. For me, writing is not only academic output; it is a form of public engagement and institutional dialogue, and a way to contribute directly to national development.

Since 2017, I have conducted sustained research on the Derawan Archipelago—primarily through university grants—on tourism development, community dynamics, and environmental governance. This long-term engagement has resulted in journal articles and books examining the intersection of identity, maritime heritage, eco-tourism, and conservation policy.

After several years of academic work in the Derawan Archipelago, in September 2023, I was invited to join Global Conservation, an international organization dedicated to protecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites from illegal and unsustainable activities. I initially served as Project Director for Derawan before being entrusted with the role of Director of Indonesia in 2024.

At Global Conservation, I supervise and coordinate marine conservation and community protection initiatives across Indonesia, with a primary mission in the Derawan Archipelago. My work includes strengthening protection mechanisms against illegal fishing and other unlawful activities in marine protected areas through the deployment of technology-based monitoring systems, including the Marine Monitor (M2), while promoting multi-stakeholder engagement to safeguard this critical ecosystem.

Through this initiative, I work closely with national and provincial authorities, marine police, the Navy, fisheries supervisors, local governments, and community stakeholders to enhance maritime oversight and improve coordination in conservation enforcement. My role bridges institutional engagement, field implementation, and long-term governance planning.