
Siti Maimunah
Biography
Siti Maimunah, known to many as Mai, is a respected Indonesian activist and researcher from Jember, East Java, with a deep commitment to environmental and social justice. With a PhD in Political Science from Germany and currently a fellow at the Sayogyo Institute, Mai has long been grounded in grassroots movements. Her notable work with JATAM (Jaringan Advokasi Tambang), where she once served as National Coordinator, positioned her as a key figure in challenging the destructive impacts of extractive industries. Now serving as Director of the Mama Aleta Fund, she supports women environmental defenders and advocates for marginalized communities across Indonesia.
Mai’s work spans more than two decades, combining rigorous research, public engagement, and strategic activism. Her moral clarity and steadfast principles have earned her deep respect among fellow advocates, even as they draw criticism from powerful private interests. Through her writing, lectures, and organizing efforts—including at COP26 and international human rights forums—she continues to spotlight the layered injustices faced by women, indigenous communities, and the environment. Her leadership is marked by a rare blend of realism, compassion, and unwavering resolve.