Perempuan Laut (PL) was founded in 2024 with a mission to address the gender disparities in marine science and conservation. Recognizing the vital role women play in ocean-related industries, PL seeks to empower these women by providing them with the necessary resources and support. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and community initiatives, we aim to reframe perceptions of local women in marine livelihoods, showcasing their contributions to ecosystem management and conservation efforts. By fostering an inclusive environment, we aspire to create a future where women’s voices and expertise are valued in every aspect of marine conservation.
Dear Friends, Partners, and Ocean Advocates,
I began the ideation of Perempuan Laut during my career break in 2024, when I was focused on pregnancy and raising my baby in her early childhood. During this time, I connected with Mads, the founder of Women in Ocean Science, who shares my passion for empowering local women in Indonesia. She played a crucial role in supporting me during my transition into motherhood. One of my biggest motivators is my daughter; I hope she and her generation will continue to witness and enjoy our rich marine biodiversity and take up the mantle of protecting the ocean.
I am honored to introduce Perempuan Laut Indonesia, a movement born from the deep connection between women, the ocean, and the stories that shape our lives. Our mission is both simple and powerful: to amplify the voices of Indonesian women who are experts in ocean conservation, especially those living in coastal communities. We celebrate their resilience and champion their roles in ocean conservation through storytelling, education, and empowerment.
The ocean is essential to our survival, but it faces significant challenges. Women, who are often overlooked as guardians of marine ecosystems, possess generations of knowledge that can enhance conservation efforts. Through Perempuan Laut Indonesia, we provide a platform for their experiences, struggles, and successes to be recognized, inspiring change from grassroots movements to global conversations.
We believe that storytelling is a catalyst for action. Whether through photos, film, writing, or community-led initiatives, we aim to bridge the gap between science, policy, and the lived experiences of women at the heart of marine conservation. By empowering them with access, a platform of networking among women, skills, resources, and opportunities, we strengthen not only their voices but also the future of our oceans.
We invite you to join us—whether as collaborators, supporters, or fellow storytellers. Together, we can build a movement in which women lead the way in protecting our seas, ensuring that their narratives shape the future of marine conservation in Indonesia and beyond.
With hope and determination,
Kirana Agustina
Founder and Managing Director,
Perempuan Laut Indonesia
To be Indonesia’s leading force for the inclusive empowerment of women dedicated to ocean science and sustainability of the sea.
Create a collaborative platform for women in ocean conservation
Establish a women’s network that collectively advocates for the future of the ocean, based on science
Impacted continuous regional and global progress for gender equity and life below water
Amplify the voices and work of individual women, including mothers, within ocean fields
Provide expertise training and capacity building for key women in ocean actors
Together, We’re Making Waves for Women and the Ocean.
Ocean Mama
Founder & Managing Director
Ocean Mama
Co-Founder
Co-founder
Gender
Social Media Volunteer
Social Media Volunteer
Social Media Volunteer
Explore Our Legal Documents to Learn How Perempuan Laut Upholds Accountability and Integrity in Every Step.
Perempuan Laut operates as a registered non-profit organization under Indonesian law, committed to transparency and accountability in all our activities.
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Explore our Annual Report to see how we’ve made an impact in advancing gender equality and marine conservation over the past year.
Kirana has scientific background in Marine Science and Environment, Politics, and Society and researched on “Ocean Plastic, Politics of Scale and Indonesia’s National Plan of Action”.
In October 2019, She joined eXXpedition Round the World, an all-female crew sailing voyage and scientific research on the mission of ocean plastic pollution. I was lucky enough to become the first Indonesian woman joined a 2-weeks sailing expedition crossing the North Atlantic Ocean from Plymouth UK to Azores, Portugal and received a bursary from International Maritime Organisation.
Before my postgraduate study, I was doing a United Nations-Nippon Fellowship program in 2018 at Division Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea (DOALOS) in New York City and continued with advance-research on ocean governance at Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) in Wollongong University, Australia. Also, I worked at a multilateral organization named Regional Secretariat of Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security in Indonesia, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries as a consultant assistant under work unit Coastal Community Development Project (CCDP/IFAD) for alternative sustainable livelihood, and local conservation NGO focused on environment and ocean conservation.
In my spare time, I love to travel, yoga, being in the water (swimming or diving) and exploring local coffee shop. I look forward to getting to know WRI Family and contribute to the team. If I haven’t met you already, I hope to connect soon!
Ivy Londa is a dynamic leader with a remarkable journey at the helm of transformative initiatives. As the Managing Partner of harapura impact since June 2023, Ivy has championed innovative approaches to driving positive change. In her previous post, her role as the UK-Indonesia Tech Hub Deputy Director at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office showcases her adept management of one of the pilar on Digital Access programme dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.
Michella began her career in 2009 by managing her family’s second-generation business in the fishing industry, which has been operational for over 30 years. Her efforts have been focused on implementing a zero-waste model, including the management of fishing vessels, cold storage facilities, and katsuobushi (dried and fermented tuna) manufacturing. In 2015, Michella’s involvement with NEXUS, a global network focused on social impact, sparked her realization that she could merge her professional work with her passion for the ocean. This marked the beginning of her journey as the “Tuna Girl” in 2017.
Mads is a tropical marine biologist, divemaster, conservation photographer-filmmaker and expedition leader. Founder of Women in Ocean Science, she is a fierce advocate for gender equity and works to elevate female voices in the ocean space.
She is the leader of Forest, Nature & Environment Aceh (HAkA) – striving to protect the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra. She has major in marine biology. She was included in the ranks of “influential women in the world” according to TIME Magazine, in the TIME 100 Next 2022 leaders category.
Lily Wardoyo is a retired banker, an avid scuba diver and outdoor activities enthusiast. Her expertise is in corporate communications, corporate relationship management, audit, and compliance. She is currently the Chairperson of Yayasan Bali Peduli, which operates two clinics in Bali, working in sexual health and HIV prevention, treatment and support. She also serves on the Governing Board of FNPF, working in nature/wildlife conservation and restoration/rehabilitation, as well as community development in Bali and Kalimantan.
She is the leader of Forest, Nature & Environment Aceh (HAkA) – striving to protect the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra. She has major in marine biology. She was included in the ranks of “influential women in the world” according to TIME Magazine, in the TIME 100 Next 2022 leaders category.
Cynthia Maharani is a gender expert in natural resources management in Indonesia, with extensive experience embedding equity and social inclusion into diverse initiatives, including energy, climate resilience, urban development, social forestry and marine conservation. Skilled in designing gender-sensitive and transformative projects, she has a decade-long track record of advocating for social inclusion and driving gender equity across all project phases.
As a biology graduate, I am passionate about marine conservation, particularly sea turtle conservation. I am currently collaborating with Yayasan Raksa Bintana (Bayu Hiu Pangandaran Turtle Conservation Foundation) to support the long-term sustainability of sea turtle populations in the Pangandaran Coastal Area, West Java.
I am also a mother of three sons and have been a full-time housewife for nine years. Now that my children have grown up, I have returned to academia and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomanagement at Institut Teknologi Bandung to deepen my knowledge of conservation management.
I’m a PADI Certified (Open Water) Scientific Diver and a proud graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science from Diponegoro University. With a deep-rooted love for the ocean, I specialize in Conservation, Marine Ecology, and Biodiversity, with a particular focus on Coral Reef Ecosystems.
But my journey doesn’t stop there – beyond the ocean, I’m continuously exploring ways to live more sustainably. I’m currently diving into the world of zero waste campaigns and plastic-free living, aiming to reduce my ecological footprint and integrate sustainability into my everyday lifestyle. This ongoing learning process fuels my passion to create a more environmentally-conscious world, both in the ocean and on land.
I’m always eager to connect with others who share a love for the planet and the desire to protect its beauty.
Rana is an oceanography graduate from Diponegoro University who has been actively involved in community service since 2021, joining programs in remote islands across Indonesia. Despite her background in marine sciences, her work is closely tied to business and marketing.
Rana thrives in event management and community development, bringing people together through creative and impactful initiatives. Whether organizing events, crafting engaging content, or building social projects, she loves turning ideas into reality with a touch of fun and creativity.
Beyond work, she enjoys singing, traveling, and meeting new people. She always up for an adventure and a good conversation!
