Jakarta, 9 September 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Indonesia welcomes Ms. Sara Ferrer Olivella as its new Resident Representative, following the formal presentation of her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Sugiono. 

At the ceremony, Ms. Ferrer Olivella expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s commitment to multilateralism and strong support for the United Nations, and its Development Programme, UNDP. 

“I am honored to serve Indonesia and accompany the country’s leadership and its people in its aspirations and pursuit to advance human development whilst easing planetary pressures, building resilience and climate action,” she said. 

The UNDP’s partnership with Indonesia continues to grow focused on three shared commitments: 1. human development measured in improvements to the wellbeing in terms of income, education and health; 2. nature, decarbonization and resilience; and 3. economic and digital transformation in line with the recently approved Country Programme Document for Indonesia 2026-2030 by UNDP’s Executive Board in New York. 

Ms Ferrer Olivella’s experience and commitment to unleashing women’s empowerment, financing for development, and Digital and Artificial intelligence as key levers for sustainable human development will further contribute to Indonesia’s development journey. And she stated that, “I am very much looking forward to working with all of you and committed to improving human wellbeing and valuing nature in my new role as the Resident Representative of UNDP in Indonesia, and to discover Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and cultural diversity in its unity.”

A Spanish national, Ms. Ferrer Olivella brings more than 25 years of development experience across continents. Before Indonesia, she led UNDP’s efforts in Colombia from 2021-2025 and Jordan from 2017-2021 and held key roles at UN headquarters and field offices from Latin America to Asia.

She holds a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain) and a European Master of Arts in human rights and democratization from the European Inter-University Centre in Venice (Italy). She is fluent in five languages, and is learning Bahasa Indonesia.

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Media Contact: 

Nabilla Rahmani, Head of Communications UNDP Indonesia 

nabilla.rahmani@undp.org

About UNDP: 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.