EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Executive Director and Co-Founder of YAPPENDA was born, raised, and resides in Papua, providing him with an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by indigenous communities. His proficiency in English, Bahasa Indonesia, Melayu-Papua, and Bahasa Yali (a highland Papuan language) enables effective communication with diverse stakeholders, bridging cultural and language barriers. With over 19 years of conservation experience, Iain’s background includes working with organizations such as the Clinton Foundation and the Green Economic Growth Program for Papua Provinces.

FINANCE MANAGER

Dwi is the finance and business manager at YAPPENDA. She brings a strong educational background and work experience to the team. Dwi is a versatile and innovative mind, who is adept at managing finances and identifying and implementing solutions for our programs administration.

Dwi has a Bachelors degree in social welfare science and a Masters degree in sociology from University Cenderwasih.

She has previously worked in the finance department Staf Keuangan Universitas Cenderawasih Papua, And she was a Supervisor at Program Keluarga Harapan Kab. Jayapura Kementerian Sosial RI, DKI JAKARTA.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER

Zacharias “Zaani” Inaury is a conservation and community development practitioner with more than 15 years of experience delivering environmental, climate resilience, and sustainable development programmes across Tanah Papua. He has worked extensively with remote Indigenous communities and is known for building trusted partnerships and managing complex field projects.

His previous leadership roles with WWF Indonesia, BAPPEDA Papua, YALI Papua, and other organisations focused on conservation and community empowerment. His work has included climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, participatory mapping, biodiversity conservation, and Nature-based Solutions. He holds a Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Management from the University of Western Australia.

As YAPPENDA’s Project Implementation Manager, Zaani oversees conservation and community development programmes across Papua, ensuring they are delivered effectively and remain grounded in local priorities and traditional knowledge.

CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

Born and raised among the Yali people of Papua’s Highlands, Malcolm co-founded YAPPENDA in January 2022. His work connects Indigenous knowledge, science, and community stewardship to protect Papua’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.

He helped establish the foundational partnership with Biome Conservation in Canada that secured YAPPENDA’s long-term funding, and has developed partnerships across the United States, Canada, and Australia. A longstanding Re:wild Associate, he supports collaborative research and conservation in Papua.

Malcolm brings almost 25 years of Canadian law enforcement experience with Peel Regional Police, Durham Regional Police, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He received the Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2020 and previously served on the board of directors of The Scott Mission in Toronto.

GOVERNMENT LIAISON & FORESTRY PROGRAM MANAGER

Domi has over 25 years of experience in agroforestry including coffee and cacao. He has worked all across Papua in rugged and remote locations. In his spare time, he volunteers to help his local community develop coffee and cacao. He has also worked with an HIV/AIDS-focused NGO and other social development programs in leadership roles. His extensive experience and networks are invaluable to our team.

TREE NURSERY SUPERVISOR and EDUCATION/TRAINING TEAM LEADER

Jack has a degree in agriculture from the Universitas Negeri Cendrawasih (UNCEN) and has over 30 years of experience in conservation, agroforestry, and sustainable development working with organizations including BP Tangguh Bintuni Bay LNG Project as a community relations supervisor, and various other international NGOs. In addition to his work with YAPPENDA, he also lectures at STAKIN (a Sentani-based seminary) on topics related to conservation and sustainable development.

LOGISTICS

Asra joined our team after working with the Indonesia Green Growth Program. He is a versatile problem solver with a strong passion for the environment and community development. Asra brings a wealth of experience in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, making significant contributions to our projects. His dedication to both environmental conservation and empowering local communities exemplifies the core values of YAPPENDA.

CONSERVATION CONSULTANT

Pieter has a formal education from Cenderawasih University, Papua. Pieter has been active as an environmental activist in Papua and West Papua Provinces for the last 20 years in the field of marine and land conservation. Building cooperation with the government, legislative institutions, cultural institutions, and universities, as well as development partners. He likes traveling, photography, music and traditional arts as well as gardening in his yard.

Education and Youth Outreach

Jeff is a university student who was an integral member of our successful Cyclops Expedition. Jeff was absolutely integral to the rediscovery of Attenborough’s echidna and is lead author of the subsequent paper related to this rediscovery. In addition to his ongoing studies and research, he has developed an outreach program delivering conservation-focused education to communities in our project areas.

Media Coordinator

Yali coordinates YAPPENDA’s media activities, helping to document and share the organisation’s conservation and community work. A graduate of JMC Academy in Australia with a degree in audio engineering, he brings a creative and technical background to the role.

Alongside his media responsibilities, Yali continues to support reforestation and general logistics. His fieldwork includes establishing nurseries and planting sites, coordinating on-ground activities, and tracking project progress. His involvement across media and field operations helps connect YAPPENDA’s communications with the work being carried out in Papua.

Liaison Officer

Yanni began his relationship with YAPPENDA as a board member. However, as he became so deeply involved as a board member we realized there was a role for him as a full time member of our team. He is an excellent communicator who has helped to maintain and develop mutually beneficial relationships, with government agencies, other NGO’s and academic institutions.

REFORESTATION SUPERVISOR (highlands)

Das holds a degree in Environmental Sciences. He maintains and runs YAPPENDA’s nursery in the highlands town of Wamena and has overseen the development of a new reforestation site and nursery in partnership with the Indigenous community of Alogonik in the Baliem Valley.

Program & Community Engagement Coordinator | Biologist & Emerging Papuan Conservation Leader

Yolanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cenderawasih University, with a particular interest in tropical botany and conservation. She has received specialized training at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and presented her research internationally. At YAPPENDA, Yolanda plays a growing leadership role, coordinating community outreach, educational and conservation programs, liaising with government partners, and supporting organizational management. She also serves as Treasurer of the John D. Wilson School. Passionate about protecting Papua's biodiversity and empowering Indigenous communities, Yolanda aspires to become a leading Papuan conservation scientist and advocate for the next generation of Indigenous women in science.

Attixs Kobak is a proud indigenous Papuan dedicated to preserving the rich natural heritage of his homeland. Born and raised in Holuwon, Attixs pursued his early education in Holuwon and Wamena before earning his S-1 degree from STIKOM University in Jayapura. Choosing to return to his roots, he now resides in Holuwon, where he leads conservation efforts and empowers the next generation of Papuans.

As a leader embodying YAPPENDA’s values, Attixs not only works to protect Papua’s biodiversity but also teaches local children about the importance of environmental stewardship. Through hands-on education, he inspires them to safeguard their forests and wildlife, ensuring that their home remains vibrant and beautiful for generations to come. His commitment to both conservation and community education exemplifies the power of being educated, serving, and giving back—a true model for the future of Papua.

Heron Yando is a Papuan biologist and field researcher with experience in biodiversity surveys, entomology, and biological collections. He studied Biology at Cenderawasih University and previously served as an assistant lecturer and curator with the Koleksi Serangga Papua. His field experience includes research in the Cyclops Mountains, Yapen Island, and Raja Ampat, where he has contributed to biodiversity and ecological research across Papua.

Marthina “Thina” Siringon was born in Wamena, Papua Pegunungan, and is originally from Yahukimo. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and has professional experience in donor relations and fundraising, including a year working as a Donor Support Associate with a nonprofit organisation in downtown Chicago.

Thina is passionate about the role nonprofit organisations can play in strengthening communities, connecting people, and addressing needs that may otherwise go unmet. After returning to Tanah Papua, she joined YAPPENDA and currently serves as a liaison supporting overseas education initiatives for Yahukimo Regency. She is excited to continue contributing to YAPPENDA’s work to protect, sustain, and restore Papua’s natural and cultural heritage.