Dr Kuswata Kartawinata, fondly known as “Pak Kus,” was a respected Indonesian botanist, ecologist and mentor who dedicated his life to studying and protecting tropical biodiversity. Born in Garut, West Java, he spent decades working to understand and preserve Indonesia’s unique ecosystems.
Dr Kartawinata played a key role at the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), especially in the Bulungan Research Forest (BRF) when it was East Kalimantan (North Kalimantan today), where he served as director from 1998 to 2003. During his time there, he led efforts to develop sustainable ways of managing the 321,000-hectare forest, which is rich in plant and animal life. He worked on solutions to challenges like selective logging and commercial pressures, encouraging practices that balanced forest use with conservation.
His research brought him international recognition, including Indonesia’s prestigious Karya Satya Medal. Dr Kartawinata was not only a scientist but also a teacher and guide, inspiring many through his work and publications. He is and will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege to work and interact with him. His legacy and contributions to science and conservation will continue to live on through his work on plant taxonomy, forest ecology, and biodiversity conservation.
