Founder Profile
“The Sundalandia Discovery Project is guided by a visionary founder whose dedication to science, culture, and national heritage drives the mission to uncover Indonesia’s ancient past.”
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Bob S. Effendi
is a prominent energy executive, clean energy advocate, and nuclear policy strategist with over 30 years of experience in the oil & gas, mining, and nuclear sectors. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of PT Xpert Synergy Solution, a consultancy dedicated to accelerating clean energy adoption and nuclear project development in Indonesia. Previously, Bob served as Chief Operating Officer of Thorcon Power Indonesia, where he led strategic initiatives to integrate nuclear energy into Indonesia’s energy roadmap. A vocal proponent of energy transition, he has played a key role in introducing the coal-to-nuclear repowering concept into national energy policy discussions. With a strong presence in both government circles and social media, Bob combines deep technical knowledge, policy expertise, and business acumen to drive clean energy innovation. He is also active in public speaking, thought leadership, and international collaboration on sustainable energy solutions.
Prof. Dr. Danny Hilman Natawidjaja
is a senior geologist at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and a leading expert in geophysics, tectonics, and paleoseismology. He holds a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from Caltech and a master’s degree in geophysics from ITB. Dr. Hilman has been instrumental in mapping earthquake faults throughout Indonesia, enhancing the understanding of seismic risks in the Pacific Ring of Fire. He is also known for his research on Gunung Padang in West Java, which he suggests may be the remnants of an advanced prehistoric civilization. His innovative methods, including geophysical surveys and radiocarbon dating, challenge traditional historical narratives and establish him as a pioneer in studying Indonesia’s ancient history.
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH /
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Gegar Prasteya
is a geologist and stratigrapher with BRIN, Indonesia’s national research body. His expertise includes paleoenvironmental reconstruction, sedimentology, and Quaternary geology. Dr. Prasteya has contributed to key studies on Southeast Asia's geological history, particularly the submerged landscapes of the Sunda Shelf, enhancing our understanding of ancient environments inhabited by early humans. Collaborating with archaeologists and climate scientists, he helps integrate geological evidence into the broader context of prehistoric civilizations in the Indonesian archipelago, particularly regarding the Sundaland hypothesis, which suggests that a submerged landmass may have supported early advanced societies.
Dhani Irwanto
is an independent researcher and author renowned for his studies on ancient civilizations in the Indonesian archipelago. Formerly an energy engineer, Dhani has applied his analytical skills to historical and mythological research. He is best known for his book "Atlantis: The Lost City is in Indonesia," where he argues that Plato’s Atlantis was situated in the Sundaland region, which was above sea level during the last Ice Age but is now largely underwater. By utilising geological, historical, and cultural evidence, he contends that a technologically advanced civilization existed in Indonesia over 10,000 years ago. His work has ignited public interest and debate, establishing him as a significant figure in the alternative history movement in Southeast Asia. Through his writings and lectures, Dhani advocates for a deeper exploration of Indonesia’s prehistoric past, which he believes is essential for understanding the roots of modern civilization.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PROJECT SECRETARY
Laksma TNI Dr. Ir. Trismadi
is a Rear Admiral in the Indonesian Navy and one of the few naval officers with a strong academic background in nuclear science and engineering. Holding a doctoral degree in nuclear engineering, he is a key figure in Indonesia's efforts to explore nuclear propulsion for maritime defense applications. His dual expertise in military strategy and nuclear technology positions him as a national asset in the development of advanced naval capabilities, including the conceptualization of nuclear-powered submarines and warships. As part of his role within the Indonesian Navy, Dr. Trismadi has also contributed to long-term defense modernization planning and strategic research partnerships between the military, academia, and national research institutions. His work exemplifies a rare integration of defense and nuclear science for national resilience.
Dr. Rino Mukti
is a senior researcher and lecturer in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), where he specializes in physical chemistry and nanomaterials. With a doctoral background in chemistry and materials science, Dr. Mukti is known for his contributions to advanced catalyst design, porous materials, and energy conversion technologies. His research has been widely published in international journals, and he plays an active role in mentoring young scientists and fostering innovation in Indonesia’s scientific ecosystem. In recent years, Dr. Mukti has also been involved in interdisciplinary research projects exploring the application of advanced materials in clean energy and environmental sustainability, including their potential role in next-generation nuclear systems and hydrogen production.
PROJECT TREASURER