The Indonesian Scholarship and Research Support Foundation (ISRSF) is delighted to announce that Dr. Sari Damar Ratri has successfully defended her Northwestern University doctoral dissertation in Anthropology, titled “Investment in Children, Intervention for Mothers: Human Capital Development in Indonesia’s Stunting Prevention,” on October 30, 2024. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in Dr. Ratri's academic journey and serves as a testament to her impactful research in the field of anthropology, gender, and development studies.
The dissertation committee was highly impressed with her work, unanimously voting to pass it and highlighting the depth and influence of Dr. Ratri’s scholarship at Northwestern University. Her research examines the effects of child stunting prevention programs on women, exploring their perceived “natural” roles as mothers. Indonesia’s current national priority on stunting policy has framed these programs as investments in children through the lens of human capital theory. This approach positions women as key intermediaries in the state’s interventions, with an emphasis on maintaining the future labor potential of the nation.
Dr. Ratri brings an extensive and accomplished background to her research. She earned her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of Indonesia and went on to complete her master’s degree in Medical Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Amsterdam. Her master’s thesis, “Productivity Promises, Precarious Realities: An Ethnographic Study of Harm Reduction Implementation in Indonesia,” was funded by the Chemical Youth Project through a European Research Council grant.
In 2014, she won first prize in the national women’s essay competition held by ISRSF, showcasing her dedication to impactful research.
Before receiving the Arryman Scholarship from ISRSF in 2016, Dr. Ratri served as an associate researcher at the University of Indonesia’s Center for Gender and Sexuality Studies, where she developed expertise in reproductive health and the sexual politics within Indonesia’s development agendas.
She continued her academic journey in Northwestern University’s Department of Anthropology, specializing in Cultural Anthropology. At Northwestern, she has explored the socio-cultural dimensions of health metrics accounting for maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Her dissertation committee was chaired by Dr. Rebecca Seligman, whose influential scholarship focuses on medical and psychological anthropology.
Recently, Dr. Ratri was awarded a research grant for a project titled SINTESIS: Study of Inclusive Technology and Empowerment Significance in Stunting Reduction. This grant, funded by the governments of Australia and Indonesia through KONEKSI, is implemented in collaboration with the Center for Gender Sexuality Studies, LPPSP FISIP UI, Yayasan Kesehatan Perempuan (YKP), and the Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre, Monash University.
ISRSF Chairman Irfan Hutagalung expressed his appreciation, stating, “Dr. Ratri’s achievements and the recognition her work has garnered fill us with immense pride. Her commitment to rigorous scholarship and pioneering research exemplifies the academic excellence that ISRSF aims to support. We congratulate Dr. Ratri on this well-earned recognition and look forward to her future contributions to the academic world, as she will join the Institute for Advanced Research (IFAR) at Monash University, Indonesia, following her graduation.”
ISRSF celebrates Dr. Sari Damar Ratri’s outstanding contributions and her unwavering commitment to deepening the critical understanding of development in Indonesia. Her work exemplifies the meaningful impact that dedicated research can achieve.
