Maria Monica Wihardja

Maria Monica Wihardja is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Crawford School of Public Policy (Australian National University) and holds roles as a Visiting Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore. Formerly a World Bank Economist in Poverty and Equity Global Practice, she advises on strategic economic issues and contributes to global policy discussions.

• Education:
• PhD in Regional Science, Cornell University
• MPhil in Economics, Cambridge University
• BA in Applied Mathematics-Economics, Brown University

Her research focuses on digital economy/technology, labor markets, food security, agricultural reforms, regional/global architecture, and disinformation. She has pioneered work on stunting prevention and food policy reforms during her tenure in Indonesia’s Executive Office of the President (2017).

Notable contributions include Think20 participation at G20 Summits (2012–2014) and leadership in the Media, Technology, and Society Programme at ISEAS. Awards include the 2023 Nikkei Asian Scholar recognition.

• Advising/Grants:
• Senior Advisor to Indonesia’s Deputy Chief Staff (2017)
• Contributed to food policy reforms and stunting prevention strategies

She collaborates with institutions like the East Asia Forum (Editorial Board) and Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (Board of Directors). Her interdisciplinary work bridges economics, technology, and public policy.