Arie Istandar is an expert in water management and engineering with experience in urban and rural settings worldwide. Skilled in technical assistance, project management, and business development, he has led environmental and institutional development projects that improve the infrastructure and enabling environment behind successful water and sanitation services delivery and operations.
He currently serves as project manager for USAID/Nigeria Effective Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services (E-WASH). E-WASH aims to improve urban water service delivery by strengthening the governance, financial, and technical viability of six water utilities in Nigeria. The program focuses on achieving professional management and a commercial orientation for water utilities, strengthening the regulatory framework in which they operate, and building national and local advocacy for water and sanitation sector reform.
Mr. Istandar joined RTI in 2019. He previously served as Chief of Party and senior technical advisor for USAID projects related to rural and urban water supply and sanitation services delivery improvements in Asia and Africa. He has held both field- and home office-based positions managing USAID and World Bank-sponsored projects on water sector institutional reform, urban environmental management, and air quality monitoring. As a technical consultant, he helped U.S. municipalities and private-sector clients manage groundwater resources, remediate hazardous waste, and enhance water and wastewater treatment operations.
Mr. Istandar holds a certification as a Pervious Concrete Technician from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and as Green Associate from the Green Building Council Indonesia. His published work includes The Manager’s Handbook to Non-Revenue Water: A Guide to Understanding Water Losses, and Sanitation in Wonosobo: Two Evaluation Approaches Compared. He also serves as a member of the International Water Association.
