In October 2004, Dino became the foreign affairs spokesperson for Indonesia’s sixth President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a job which later expanded into Special Staff of President for International Affairs. He started his career as Assistant to the Director–General for Political Affairs at Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in 1987; as Third Secretary for Political Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in London (1992); Head of Decolonization section at the DFA (1997); Minister Counselor of Political Department at Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC (2000) and served as Director for North and Central America at the DFA (2002). Dino has written several books and articles as well as given extensive lectures and speeches in national and international forums. Dino earned his Bachelor degree in Political Science from Carleton University (Canada), Masters Degree in Political Science from Simon Fraser University (Canada), and a Doctorate degree in  International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (UK).

Starting his career as a research analyst at Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), Rizal moved on taking the position of Executive Director for Freedom Institute, a think-tank institution similar to CSIS since 2001. He was the speech writer for Indonesian's former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, and when the current government of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono took place, he was appointed as Special Staff for the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs then Coordinating Minister for the People’s Welfare. Among Rizal’s challenging tasks as Special Staff, he led the process of peace talk in Poso and combated starvation in Yahukimo, Irian Jaya. His success stories in international negotiation include the talk of Cepu Block and Global Climate Change Conference in Bali. Rizal also marks his career in media as Special Editor for Metro TV as well as hosting a program in Metro TV called ‘Save Our Nation'. Rizal earned his Bachelor degree in Communication from Social and Political Science Faculty at Gajah Mada University, and earned Masters and Doctoral degrees in Policial Science from Ohio State University.

Currently holds position as the Chairman, Committee for Natural & Economic Resources House of Regional Representatives;  the Chairman, Special Comittee on Climate Change Regional House of Representatives; a Member of Indonesia Ocean Council; a Senator, House of Regional Representatives; and a Board Member in Micro Financing, Education, Social Affairs and Environment in a number of NGO's. His experience and contribution to the government and international community have been extensive and largely-known through his many past positions including Minister of Administrative Reform, Minister of Environment, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and Indonesia's representative in many UN Convention and Conferences.