[IIS RECAP] GO-SOUTH 2024: Global South in Geopolitical Turbulence

Yogyakarta, 8 November 2024 – The Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (IIS UGM), hosted an annual convention of GO-SOUTH 2024, themed Global South in Geopolitical Turbulence. This annual convention comprised two main agendas, including a special roundtable discussion and an academic seminar.

In the first agenda, the Institute of International Studies, UGM, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation and the Indonesian Association for International Relations (AIHII), organized a special roundtable discussion titled “Japan in Asia: Past, Present, & Future.” As an essential player in the region, Japan has actively contributed to regional economic growth, infrastructure development, and geopolitics in Asia. Hence, this roundtable was designed to initiate vibrant discussion and in-depth dialogue among academics, researchers, and students to reflect on and develop Japanese studies and International Relations in Indonesia. The discussion was held in a hybrid setting, with participants present in person in the Deanery Meeting Room, FISIPOL UGM, and online via Zoom meeting and YouTube Livestream.

The roundtable was conducted in two sessions, moderated by Dr. Luqman-Nul Hakim, the Director of the Institute of International Studies, UGM. The first session discussed the development of Japanese studies in Indonesia in teaching and research and the relationship between Indonesia and Japan in terms of both economic and political relations. Siti Daulah Khoiriati from the Department of International Relations, UGM, and Yako Kozano from the School of Foreign Studies, Aichi Prefectural University, were the main speakers in this first session. The findings delivered by Siti Daulah Khoiriati highlight the development of research themes in Japan that are influenced by the interests of various stakeholders, including educational and research institutions, the government, and funding bodies. She also pointed out that while Japan’s success as a global economic power, technological advancements, and culture have been prominent research themes, there has been limited focus on studying Japanese politics and international relations.

Furthermore, Yako Kozano, the second speaker of the first session, presented the topic of Contemporary Political Economic Relations of Japan-Indonesia in Geopolitical Perspectives. He highlighted that Indonesia’s trading partner with Japan has been replaced by the significant presence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The relationship between Indonesia and Japan should be based on political-economic and geopolitical practices. A thorough Q&A session then followed the first session.

Agus Haryanto from the Department of International Relations, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, presented his presentation in the roundtable discussion.

The second session discussed Japan’s engagement and dynamic role in contemporary regional settings and how this would influence Japanese studies’ current and future development in Indonesia and beyond. In the second session, Agus Haryanto from the Department of International Relations, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, and Isao Yamazaki from the Faculty of Art and Regional Design, Saga University, had a chance to give their valuable insights as the main speakers in the second session. Agus Haryanto explained that Japan’s approach to international security support has evolved significantly over the past few decades, primarily through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) deployment. Isao Yamazaki presented Watershed of Reentry or Retreat: History of Indonesia-Japan Relations Revisited. He explained how Japanese culture and propaganda have influenced Indonesia’s society in many aspects, especially in industry, urban planning, music, and art. Before closing the second session, the participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, commentaries, and views.

In the second agenda, the Institute of International Studies, UGM, organized an academic seminar themed Global South and the Decolonisation of Knowledge that was held in an online Zoom meeting. The seminar was attended by academicians, practitioners, and experts in relevant fields and aimed to create a robust discussion and debate on the main issue. The academic seminar was moderated by Muhadi Sugiono, lecturer in the Department of International Relations, UGM and the chairman of ICES (Indonesian Community for European Studies), followed by three presentations from each speaker.

Prof. Kate McGregor from the University of Melbourne, delivered her presentation in the academic seminar.

Prof. Kate McGregor from the University of Melbourne delivered the first presentation. She explained transnational women’s activism, global solidarities, and how people in the Global South previously worked together towards a global order today. The roots of Indonesia’s women’s activism were the highlight of her presentation. She also highlighted several actors, including individuals and non-governmental organizations from Indonesia’s grassroots, who highly impacted women’s roles in international activism.

The second presentation on Decolonizing International Relations in Indonesia: How far have we come? was delivered by Dr. Ardhitya Eduard Yeremia Lalisang from Universitas Indonesia. According to him, the study of International Relations should not limit its capabilities in order to gain an understanding of international politics. As a part of the Global South, Indonesia could also have its own unique International Relations theory that deserves recognition. Dr. Yeremia Lalisang has highlighted several acts, cultures, and other milestones that could represent the struggle and also the chance for Indonesia to create its own perspective on International Relations.

In the last presentation, Prof. Mohtar Mas’oed from Universitas Gadjah Mada delivered the presentation titled The Expected Geopolinomic Turbulence & the Global South. According to Prof. Mohtar Mas’oed, from what he sees in Trump’s first term, his return to power would impact the global order. He also pointed out what could be expected from his second term and how the Global South should shape its own path regarding his returns.

The academic seminar was followed by a Q&A session, which ended with a documentation session.

Written by: Anggita Fitri Ayu Lestari
Editor: Albert Nathaniel