Muhammad Ikbal

Putera

Ikbal is a Senior Park Ranger with over nine years of experience serving as the Advanced Forest Ecosystems Manager at Komodo National Park under the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. Throughout his distinguished career, Ikbal has demonstrated a deep passion for community engagement and youth development, believing that the future of wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability lies in empowering young people. He envisions a generation inspired to follow his path in becoming conservation leaders and park rangers.

Ikbal’s commitment to involving youth in conservation led to the creation of the Ranger Goes to School (RGTS) program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster environmental stewardship among high school students. The RGTS program enables park rangers and practitioners to directly engage with students, teaching them about nature, wildlife conservation, and the importance of protecting iconic animals and landscapes like komodo dragons in Komodo National Park. By instilling a sense of place attachment and environmental responsibility, the program equips students to become active participants in conservation efforts within their communities in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

With extensive expertise in protected area management, Ikbal has successfully addressed complex environmental challenges, including visitor management, community-based tourism, and conservation education. His collaborative approach has strengthened relationships between local communities and protected areas, ensuring sustainable outcomes. As a dedicated leader, Ikbal also works with academics and stakeholders to build the capacity of park managers and local community, equipping them with the skills needed to manage protected areas effectively and collaboratively.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University, Ikbal bridges theory and practice by applying cutting-edge research to real-world challenges. His research interests include conservation education, World Heritage Sites management, and visitor management. He integrates frameworks like Place Attachment and the Theory of Planned Behavior into his projects, ensuring they are grounded in evidence-based strategies.

I am one out of a million park rangers in Indonesia who is deeply committed to protecting wildlife and empowering youth through education. My passion for inspiring the next generation drives my mission to create a sustainable future where conservation is a shared responsibility. Through visionary leadership, innovative approaches, and the expansion of the Ranger Goes to School program, I aspire to leave a lasting legacy by nurturing a generation that is deeply connected to nature and committed to conservation. Together, we can build a future where wildlife and humanity thrive in harmony.