DZAR ARIF MAULANA ISMAIL
Research and Project Assistant
Urban economics | Social transformation | Pedagogy of communal flourishing
Biography
Dzar is an urban planner and researcher who bridges the gap between evidence-based spatial analysis and grassroots community advocacy. Having graduated from Institut Teknologi Bandung, he has built a practice that connects rigorous data with actionable public policy. Dzar’s work leverages a multidisciplinary approach spanning social, economic, political, and environmental perspectives to gain a deep understanding of and navigate complex urban challenges. His experience delves into participatory planning, spatial infrastructure, and community development, where he has a record of facilitating collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders, from local governments to international initiatives. Driven by a commitment to equitable development, he provides strategic guidance to formulate policies and execute projects that empower communities and deliver win-win solutions for both society and the environment.
Work inventory
2025 - current
with Just Transition Indonesia
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Facilitator for the Transition Living Lab program, featuring projects in collaboration with Institut Teknologi Bandung, Emplace Youth Initiative, and University of the Arts London
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Lead organizer for JTI Diskusi Lingkar Ide, a monthly discussion club within JTI on topics related to transition, justice, and other emerging topics
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Podcast production assistant of the JTI SPASI podcast
- General administration and management of JTI operations; proposal development assistant
Previous affiliations
with Climate Change Center,
Institut Teknologi Bandung
Supported the Partnership for Market Implementation (PMI) Project to advance Indonesia’s decarbonization agenda. By coordinating research and evaluating sustainable energy policies, he helped translate complex regulatory data into actionable policy insights. His contributions supported the strategic frameworks necessary for implementing effective carbon pricing and driving a sustainable energy transition.
with School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung
Dzar contributed to both academic development and practical urban policy. His work ranged from conducting on-the-ground livability assessments with Bandung residents to performing complex spatial analyses for the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to evaluate their Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR). Through these initiatives and his support of faculty across multiple courses, he helped translate spatial data and community feedback into actionable planning insights.
with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Indonesia
In his work in the Ministry, Dzar focused on optimizing spatial development control. Through in-depth policy reviews and strategic stakeholder discussions, he helped synchronize practical field operations with national database standards. This alignment ensured greater data integrity and supported more effective, evidence-based spatial planning at the national level.
Creative life
Dzar enjoys building informal youth communities. He actively brings people together to host book discussions, play team sports, and launch small business ventures, such as the custom apparel brand Neat.Needs