In Indonesia, the interdisciplinary value is often overlooked when it comes to solving complex, real-world problems. There’s a widespread expectation that academic and professional credibility comes from following a single, linear path—from undergraduate to doctoral studies within the same discipline. I’ve experienced this scepticism personally, as someone who’s academic and research journey has drawn from multiple fields. People often ask why I decided to take this path, and many find it hard to categorize me within the traditional boundaries of expertise. But the thing is, this interdisciplinary perspective is exactly what has allowed me to take on some of the most pressing challenges facing coastal communities today. Rather than a limitation, I see it as my greatest strength. It allows me to see problems from multiple angles—ecological, social, and economic—and to connect the dots between species conservation, community livelihoods, and policy design.