Uti Cantika is a dynamic Indonesian professional recognized for her impactful contributions to youth and community development, particularly in Bogor. Known as a bright, multitalented leader, she has earned praise for her ability to mobilize and inspire urban youth around pressing social and environmental issues. Uti’s strength lies not only in her subject matter expertise but also in her hands-on, participatory approach—facilitating meaningful engagement through methods such as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), participatory mapping, and community organizing. Currently, she serves as a Lecturer in the Interdisciplinary Program at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, focusing on food security in Indonesia, while also holding the role of Deputy Director at LATIN. Her career reflects a deep, ongoing commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.

Complementing her academic and community roles, Uti’s research spans critical themes including social forestry, customary forests, urban commons, and the management of marine and peatland ecosystems. Her publications and training modules address rural livelihoods, conservation challenges, and community-based tourism, further highlighting her interdisciplinary impact. She has led initiatives involving climate change mitigation, environmental service payments, and multi-stakeholder regional planning, particularly in watershed and sub-watershed contexts. From 2013 to 2021, her work in regional development planning demonstrated her ability to integrate ecological resilience with community empowerment, cementing her reputation as a key voice in sustainable development in Indonesia.