From National Platforms to Regional Impact: Mentari’s Journey to Grow Asia

Grow Asia is pleased to welcome Hj. Paramita Mentari Kesuma as Regional Manager, Programs. With nearly two decades of experience spanning the private sector, government, and civil society, Mentari brings extensive expertise in strategic programme management, sustainability, and multi-stakeholder engagement across Southeast Asia. We spoke with her about her professional journey, leadership philosophy, and what inspires her as she joins the Grow Asia Regional Team.

Tari, welcome to Grow Asia. Could you tell us about your career path and the experiences that led you to this role?

Thank you, I am truly grateful to join Grow Asia as Regional Manager, Programs. Over the past 20 years, my work has centred on strategic programme management, multi-stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development across private sector, NGOs, and government institutions. Prior to joining Grow Asia, I served as Sustainable Landscape Program Indonesia Officer at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Indonesia Lead Consultant for Indufor North America LLC, and Program Lead of the Entrepreneurship Task Force at the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I was also Indonesia Community Lead at Fortescue Future Industries and Executive Director of the Sustainable Coffee Platform of Indonesia. Earlier in my career, I worked with WWF Indonesia and Deloitte Indonesia, and served as Executive Assistant to the Chief of the Peatland Restoration Agency of the Republic of Indonesia under a UNOPS/UNDP/CLUA secondment — a non-structural agency reporting directly to the President of the Republic of Indonesia. Across these roles, I have had the privilege of working at the intersection of policy, private sector engagement, sustainability and institutional development.

What are you most looking forward to at Grow Asia?

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and grow with the Grow Asia Regional Network. The strength of Grow Asia lies in its multi-stakeholder model — bringing together governments, businesses, development partners and farmer organisations to collaborate toward sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic empowerment. I look forward to sharing lessons learned, fostering cross-country collaboration, and strengthening co-learning within the network.

Reflecting on your previous roles, is there an achievement that stands out to you?

Throughout my career, I have enjoyed building and scaling programmes, institutions, and multi-stakeholder platforms. Each role has offered unique challenges and learning experiences. If I were to highlight one area of impact, it would be mentoring and developing people from diverse backgrounds to grow according to their unique potential and purpose. I believe leadership is not only about delivering programmes — it is about inspiring and nurturing other leaders. In addition to my professional roles, I currently serve voluntarily as Head of Sustainability & ESG of the Womenpreneur Autonomous Body BPP HIPMI (Indonesia Young Entrepreneurs Association) and have mentored women in agriculture through Singapore-based WOMAG.

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Beyond her professional work, Mentari is a mother of two who enjoys reading, writing, travel, outdoor adventure, and sports including swimming, scuba diving, running, yoga and pilates. Earlier in her journey, she served as Miss Indonesia Earth–Water 2008 and as a Jakarta youth ambassador — experiences that shaped her passion for environmental stewardship and public engagement.

We are delighted to welcome Mentari to Grow Asia and look forward to the leadership, depth of experience and collaborative spirit she brings to the regional network.