"I may not have the capacity to save the entire world, but I strive to care for those closest to me and uphold the responsibilities I can manage. Sometimes, it's the smallest acts of understanding that make the biggest difference."
A DEEP DIVE INTO THE CHARACTER
| FULL NAME | Wicaksana Samudera Nasution |
| DATE OF BIRTH | April 18, 1982 |
| CURRENT POSITION | President’s Chief Advisor on Climatology, Republic of Indonesia |
Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wicaksana Samudera Nasution has always been surrounded by a culture of excellence and responsibility. His father, Haryono Nasution, is a renowned economist and former Minister of Finance who helped shape Indonesia’s fiscal policies during a pivotal era of growth. His mother, Dr. Saraswati Rahardjo, is a respected environmental scientist and university professor, known for her advocacy of sustainable agricultural practices.From an early age, Wicaksana was exposed to both economic and environmental issues, which later fueled his passion for tackling the complexities of climate change. His upbringing combined rigorous intellectual discussions with a deep sense of duty to contribute to Indonesia’s development.
| EDUCATION | |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Climatology (Graduated with honors in 2004) | Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia |
| Master of Science in Climate Science and Policy (Graduated in 2006) | University of Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences (Completed in 2010) | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States |
| WORK EXPERIENCE | |
|---|---|
| President’s Chief Advisor on Climatology | Office of the President, Republic of Indonesia (2021–Present) |
| Executive Director | Center for Climate Risk and Opportunity Management in Southeast Asia and Pacific (CCROM-SEAP) |
| Director of Climate Resilience | Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia |
| Senior Advisor | United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) |
| Research Associate | Center for Climate Risk and Opportunity Management in Southeast Asia and Pacific (CCROM-SEAP) |
INSIDE THE MIND
Standing under the glare of the cameras, the relentless click-clack of shutters echoing around the room, Wicaksana stood unflinching. Science required patience and understanding, he believed. With people clutching their preconceived notions like lifelines, each convinced of their own truths. He didn’t let their misconceptions ruffle his composure.As always, a steady voice and measured calm is his strong suit, he answered their questions with thoughtful and accessible. His goal was not to dazzle but to educate. Every response was a bridge between his knowledge and their curiosity, even if the gulf of understanding sometimes felt vast.Wicaksana often reflected on his journey and felt immense gratitude for the role his father had played in shaping it. The name Nasution had indeed opened doors, smoothing his path to becoming the president’s chief advisor on climatology. While others scrambled to carve out their places in the world through business and entrepreneurship, Wicaksana chose a different path. He valued stability and purpose over ambition for its own sake. For him, serving in a role where his work could safeguard future generations was far more fulfilling than chasing fleeting gains.Though politics wasn’t his passion, he approached it with quiet determination, treating it not as a battlefield but as a platform for meaningful change. Working with those who didn’t always share his understanding of science was challenging, but he chose to meet them where they were, guiding them toward better decisions.Of course, his rise wasn’t without its challenges. Communicating the urgency of climate change in a world resistant to inconvenient truths tested his resolve. But Wicaksana believed in the power of persistence. His insights didn’t promise immediate wealth, but they offered something far more valuable: the promise of a livable future.Grateful for the journey that brought him here, Wicaksana stood firm, not as a figure of ego, but as a servant of knowledge, determined to leave the world better than he found it.
TBA
THE PEOPLE
