"This is all thanks to the prayer from all of my friends throughout this time," he noted through a message on Thursday.
While responding to questions sent through the message application, Dohong vowed to boost his determination, spirit, and efforts in protecting the endangered ecosystem at the global and national level after receiving the reward.
Dohong also expects that his success in bagging the reward can be a source of motivation for youngsters and students across Indonesia, in general.
In particular, he expects youngsters in Kalimantan to be able to win an international award.
The International Alumnus of the Year Award is bestowed by UQ every year to its alumni, who have an international achievement.
Dohong was selected to receive the award this year for his contribution in protecting the endangered ecosystem.
He is the first Indonesian to have received the international award from UQ's alumni scattered across the world.
Earlier, Dohong had also received the Australian Awards Indonesia Alumnus of the Year in 2021 due to his leadership and commitment to ensuring a sustainable environment in Indonesia.
Related news: More local figures supporting environmental restoration: Dohong
Born in East Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan, Dohong completed his bachelor's course from the University of Palangka Raya before continuing his studies to obtain a Master of Science degree from the University of Nottingham.
After obtaining his doctorate degree from The University of Queensland, Dohong took up the position of deputy of construction, operation, and maintenance at the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG).
The agency was tasked with restoring almost two million hectares of degraded peatland in seven provinces in Indonesia.
He thereafter served as deputy minister of environment and forestry in the Indonesian government since 2019.
Related news: Ministry awards local heroes, gov'ts for environmental preservation
Translator: Prisca Triferna V, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
