Dr. Samuel Jonson Sutanto

With applause and a few emotional smiles, Dr. Mugni Hariadi successfully defended his PhD thesis titled “A high resolution modelling perspective on food security and streamflow over Southeast Asia” at Wageningen University and Research, marking the culmination of several years of dedicated research.

His work, situated at the intersection of climate science, hydrology, and agricultural modelling, provides new insights into how high-resolution hydroclimatological modelling can better assess long-term water and food security in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Using HighResMIP climate models, PCR-GLOBWB hydrological model, and WOFOST crop model, Dr. Mugni Hariadi examined the complex relationship between climate, streamflow variability, and agricultural productivity across Southeast Asia. His research offers a granular understanding of how changing rainfall patterns, river flows, and seasonal extremes impact food systems—an increasingly critical issue in light of climate change and rapid urbanization. By using high resolution models, we can better evaluate extremes weather events, including flood and drought risks, and identify the areas most vulnerable to water shortages and crop reduction, he explained during the public defense. This helps us design more targeted and effective adaptation strategies, especially in regions where millions depend on rain-fed agriculture.”

As for what comes next, Dr. Mugni Hariadi is already exploring opportunities to translate his research into practical applications through his work in Indonesian Met Office (BMKG). Congratulations, Doctor!