Dr. Marlistya Citraningrum (Citra) is the Director of Communications and Outreach, focuses on humanizing the climate and energy transition issues through research-driven storytelling, transforming complex climate data into narratives that foster meaningful engagement across all levels of society. In her strategic role, Citra strengthens IESR’s public leadership by aligning high-level policy ambitions, from ambitious net-zero roadmaps to solar energy deployment and subnational transition planning, with strategic messaging tailored to local contexts.

Joining IESR in 2016 as the first hire dedicated to energy transition issues, Citra has built a 14-year professional foundation bridging policy research, project management, and community development. Before pivoting toward strategic communication at IESR, her track record includes extensive work anchoring an inclusive and sustainable energy access ecosystem for all people, a true manifestation of energy democracy. Strategically, she worked to advance the deployment of solar energy and its supporting policies in Indonesia, driving narratives for high-quality energy access that goes beyond mere connectivity. She also oversees the development of SolarHub Indonesia, IESR’s premier solar energy information platform. As a sub-national partnerships specialist, Citra led collaborations with four local governments in Indonesia and forges strategic alliances with various ministries, government agencies, civil society organizations, and associations to ensure that energy transition solutions are effectively implemented at the local level.

Since 2017, Citra has been active in the Indonesian Solar Energy Association (AESI), currently serving as Vice Chair of the Expert Board. She is a key developer of the Energy Policy Simulator (EPS) Indonesia—a Fast Company World Changing Ideas finalist—and a member of the ACCESS Global Coordination Group, an international coalition for clean energy. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with focus on environmental management from Taiwan Tech and is known for integrating storytelling into her research to bridge the gap between data and impact. She runs a street library with her partner in Bali.