Edy Setyawan, PhD in manta rays, grew up in a small mountain village in Java. Today, he stands among the world’s leading researchers on manta rays and sharks. He has published a remarkable body of scientific work, co-founded an Indonesian-led NGO dedicated to elasmobranch conservation, and was the first to conclusively identify a manta ray nursery habitat in Wayag, Raja Ampat – along with multiple other potential nursery locations throughout Raja Ampat.
All of this isn’t just impressive, it is essential.
Indonesia is home to an incredible and large diversity of elasmobranchs, a subclass of cartilaginous fish that includes sharks, rays, and skates. It’s one of the best places on Earth to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat, gliding over vibrant coral reefs.
While international researchers have long studied Indonesia’s marine life, Edy is focused on something deeper: building a stronger, homegrown foundation of marine scientists. He believes that Indigenous leadership is key, not just to protecting the species that call these waters home, but to securing the long-term future of marine conservation in Indonesia.
Indigenous leadership plays a crucial role in shaping legislation, with their voices carrying greater influence in driving lasting change. But without enough Indigenous scientists in the field, we face a serious question: what happens if or when international interest in Indonesia’s marine species fades? This is what Edy is working for – a future not only for the conservation of elasmobranch, but for the young scientists of Indonesia.
