The Urban and Regional Planning (PWK) Study Program at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has once again made the university proud through the remarkable achievements of one of its alumni, Aretha Aprilia, ST, MSc, PhD, who has excelled at both national and international levels in the fields of environment, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
A graduate of PWK UNDIP’s class of 1998, Dr. Aretha has proven that a background in urban and regional planning can serve as a strong foundation for addressing global challenges. With a strong passion for learning, she pursued her Master’s degree at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and later earned her PhD from Kyoto University in Japan, specializing in Energy Science with a research focus on waste-to-energy management.
International Career and Environmental Dedication
With her strong expertise and extensive research experience, Dr. Aretha currently serves at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the Head of the Nature, Climate, and Energy Unit. She has lived in five countries over 11 years and previously worked with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Bangkok and Paris.
She also held the role of Deputy Team Leader in a solid waste management project in collaboration with the Australian Government and served as Director of the Jakarta representative office of CDM Smith GmbH.
Her contributions to renewable energy policy development and implementation, particularly in rural Indonesia, have received international recognition. She was awarded the Green Talents Award in 2017 by the German Government and was named one of the “50 Most Impactful Green Leaders” by World CSR Day in India.
Contribution to Knowledge and Public Literacy
Beyond her professional work in environmental and energy sectors, Dr. Aretha is also an active writer. She has authored several books published by Gramedia, including Rahasia Sukses Berkarier Internasional and Women @ Work, which explore strategies for building successful professional careers while maintaining work-life balance. Her works have inspired many, particularly in professional and academic communities.
Returning to UNDIP: An Inspiring Alumna
During the 29th anniversary of PWK UNDIP, Dr. Aretha returned as a speaker in the Alumni Talk session, where she shared her academic and professional journey with current students. She emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, courage to explore new opportunities, and the application of planning knowledge as a tool for social and environmental change.
“Urban and regional planning is the science of life. With sustainability-oriented planning, we can become part of the solution for the future,” she stated.
A Source of Pride for PWK UNDIP
Dr. Aretha Aprilia’s achievements stand as clear evidence that PWK UNDIP graduates possess global competence and the ability to contribute strategically to sustainable development. Her passion, dedication, and impact continue to inspire students and alumni to strive for excellence, both nationally and internationally.
PWK UNDIP is proud to have alumni who drive meaningful change, respond to global challenges, and represent Indonesia on the world stage.
source :
(https://pwk.ft.undip.ac.id/id/dr-aretha-aprilia-alumni-dpwk-undip-menginspirasi-dunia-lewat-energi-dan-lingkungan/)
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