Interesting links
Here are some interesting links for you! Enjoy your stay :)Pages
- About GOSOUTH
- ABOUT US
- ADVOCACY
- Anggita Fitri Ayu Lestari
- BOOK REVIEW
- Books
- Brief
- Campaign to Stop Killer Robots
- Chivalrous Elnatan Nugrajati
- Commentaries
- CONTACT
- Damai Pangkal Damai
- DEMOCRACY, CONFLICT, AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
- Dian Adi MR
- EVENTS
- FOREIGN POLICIES, EMERGING POWERS, AND REGIONAL INTERSECTIONS
- FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
- Gabriel Jovan Adidharma
- GLOBALISATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENT
- GO SOUTH 2024
- HOME
- IIS Annual Report
- IIS in the Press
- IIS LIBRARY
- Inggit Kartika Dini
- International Political Economy and Development
- Irene Jihan Chatarina
- Karin Yasmine Arysa
- Luqman-nul Hakim
- MONOGRAPH SERIES
- Nabilah Nur Abiyanti
- Nadya Zafira
- Najwa Ahila Al-Awwaliyah K.
- News
- Nuclear Ban Campaign
- Ongoing Research
- OPEN SUBMISSION
- Our Team
- Partners
- PAST EVENTS
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Previous Research
- Proceedings
- Program Schedule
- PROGRAMS
- PUBLICATIONS
- RESEARCH
- SECURITY AND GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
- The Convener
- The Speakers
- Tria Nadila Desanti Margono
- UPCOMING EVENTS
- Vacancy
- Who We Are
We are here, there, everywhere! – Shadow Report on Platform Work Standards in Southeast Asia
/in News (English), Past Events/by iis.fisipolThursday, 22 May 2025 – As the digital economy spreads rapidly across Southeast Asia, a powerful new shadow report—led by platform workers and their allies—calls out the growing injustices faced by ride-hailing and delivery drivers in the region. The report is a collective effort by the International Alliance of App-Based Transport Workers (IAATW), Asosiasi Driver Online (ADO) Indonesia, Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA) Cambodia, and the Institute of International Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (IIS UGM). Released on Thursday, 22 May 2025, in the lead-up to the 113th International Labour Conference, this report brings worker experiences, local organising, and grounded research into the heart of the global conversation on decent work.
“We are not just data points in an app. We are workers with lives, families, and rights,” said representatives from ADO Indonesia, which has been at the forefront of organising online drivers across major Indonesian cities. “This report is our way of breaking the silence—of showing the world what it really means to survive in the platform economy.”
The report centres on the lived experiences of drivers in Indonesia and Cambodia, two countries emblematic of both the promises and perils of digital labour. Through firsthand interviews, surveys, and grounded literature reviews, the report identifies three urgent crises: algorithmic opacity, the absence of social protection, and a void in regulatory governance. These structural failings leave millions of workers at the mercy of hidden algorithms, unpredictable earnings, and exploitative management systems disguised as innovation.
From Phnom Penh to Jakarta, workers report being manipulated by gamification techniques—badges, points, rankings—that create the illusion of choice while trapping them in unsafe, excessive work hours. “What they call incentives, we experience as pressure,” shared an IDEA Cambodia organiser. “Drivers are pushed to keep working, no matter how tired or sick, just to chase elusive bonuses.” The report frames this system as a form of digital forced labour, where behavioural manipulation replaces contracts, and risk is entirely borne by the worker.
IAATW, a global federation of app-based transport workers, provided the platform to connect these local struggles with international standards. “What’s happening in Southeast Asia is not a local issue—it’s a global failure of governance,” said an IAATW spokesperson. “Platforms operate across borders, and so must our resistance. We need international standards that treat algorithmic control with the same seriousness as wage theft or unsafe workplaces.”
Academic support from IIS UGM played a key role in framing these narratives within a broader political economy lens. “This is not just about technology—it’s about power,” said Dr. Suci Lestari Yuana from IIS UGM. “Our research reveals how algorithmic systems are designed to benefit capital, not labour. And the lack of state regulation enables this imbalance to persist unchecked.”
The report calls for clear, enforceable action:
This shadow report is more than documentation—it is an intervention. It puts the voices of gig workers at the centre of labour policy, and it challenges the global community to act. As the contributors declare: “Nothing about us without us.” Platform workers in Southeast Asia are not asking for charity. They are demanding justice, transparency, and a future of work that puts human dignity above algorithmic efficiency.
Read and download the full report here
ICAN Calls for Stronger Commitment to TPNW Universalisation
/in News (English), Past Events/by iis.fisipolMr. Muhadi Sugiono represented ICAN in delivering a thematic statement on TPNW universalisation at the TPNW Meeting of States Parties in New York
On 5th of March 2025, Mr. Muhadi Sugiono, Senior Researcher and Lead Campaigner at the Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada, represented ICAN in delivering a thematic statement on TPNW (Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons) universalisation at the TPNW Meeting of States Parties in New York. In his statement, Mr. Muhadi emphasized the need for states to accelerate their commitments toward nuclear disarmament. As nuclear risks continue to escalate, ICAN reaffirms its dedication to advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons. Below is the full statement delivered by Mr. Muhadi Sugiono:
ICAN thematic statement on universality, 3MSP, 5 March 2025
Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,
Each time that we meet, the TPNW community grows larger.
We take this opportunity to welcome and congratulate the four countries that have become states parties since our last meeting: Indonesia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone and the Solomon Islands.
We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of Kazakhstan, South Africa and Uruguay, among others, to advance universalisation of the treaty during the intersessional period.
One of the most notable initiatives in this area in 2024 was the African Conference on the Universalisation and Implementation of the TPNW in Addis Ababa, with the participation of 31 states from the region, including 22 that are not yet parties.
As South Africa said in its opening remarks to that conference, “Today, this treaty could not be more relevant given the dire state of the multilateral nuclear disarmament regime. The universalisation of the TPNW, its norms and fundamental tenets, is therefore vital.”
The African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security also addressed the conference, pledging the AU Commission’s ongoing support to AU members in the universalisation of the TPNW.
Various other regional meetings were also convened in 2024 to promote universal adherence to the TPNW, including among states from the Asia-Pacific region and Central Asia, in particular.
There are currently 25 states that have signed but not yet ratified the TPNW, many of which are on track to become states parties soon. We thank those signatory states that have provided updates this week on the current status of their ratification processes.
Beyond the states that have already signed the TPNW, around 40 others have indicated their support for the treaty in the UN General Assembly. Thus, there is still great potential to achieve significant progress in the short term towards universalisation.
We once again appeal to all states parties to prioritise this work, for each new signature and ratification makes the treaty more effective and powerful. To achieve the ambitious goals set out in the Vienna Action Plan, universalisation is essential.
In this process, states parties must continue to engage and change the views of those states that do not yet support the TPNW. As the Vienna Action Plan also provides, in addition to increasing signatures and ratifications, states parties have agreed to actively promote the norms, values and underlying arguments of the Treaty.
Please consider what more your country could be doing to advance these goals, including at the highest levels of government. Greater efforts are needed not just in New York and Geneva, but also in capitals.
ICAN stands ready to assist in this work in whatever way we can. We have partners in more than one hundred countries dedicated to raising public awareness of the TPNW and its underlying humanitarian rationale.
With the Doomsday Clock ticking closer to midnight, we must approach this task with a renewed sense of urgency.
What better way for states to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and of the founding of the United Nations, than by signing and ratifying the TPNW.
As our executive director noted earlier this week, exactly half of all states have now joined this landmark treaty, either as parties or signatories. We must spare no effort in bringing the other half on board.
Thank you.
[IIS RECAP] A Call from East Asia: Global Solidarity Toward a Nuclear-Free World
/in News (English), Past Events/by iis.fisipolOn 8-9 February 2025, Mr. Muhadi Sugiono, Senior Researcher and Lead Campaigner at the Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in the International Civil Society Forum to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, in Tokyo, Japan. The forum was organized to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing together global leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives to discuss nuclear disarmament efforts.
Mr. Muhadi Sugiono participated at the International Civil Society Forum to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, in Tokyo, Japan.
In a session titled “Promoting Nuclear Disarmament in East Asia,” Mr. Muhadi Sugiono offered his insights on the current climate of nuclear disarmament. He drew from his experience as a campaigner for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in Indonesia, particularly in advocating for ratifying the Treaty of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). These efforts culminated in the landmark ratification of Indonesia in September 2024. On a broader scale, the Southeast Asia region has taken proactive steps to promote nuclear disarmament. This is evident in diplomatic initiatives to mitigate US-China rivalry, the establishment of the nuclear-free zone and active participation in the TPNW advocacy. Given the shifting security landscape in East Asia–marked by North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities and China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal–this discussion remains highly relevant. Mr. Muhadi’s insights were pivotal in exploring practical steps to transform regional confrontations into cooperative efforts toward nuclear disarmament.
Mr. Muhadi Sugiono as a speaker in a session titled “Promoting Nuclear Disarmament in East Asia.”
During the event, Tanaka Terumi, co-chairman of Nihon Hidankyo—the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner—delivered a speech urging the younger generations to carry on the effort of nuclear abolition. He underscored the importance of understanding the catastrophic consequences of the atomic bombings to grow a more profound awareness that such suffering must never be repeated. A document was introduced to portray the reality of the devastation caused by the atomic bombings, reinforcing the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. It serves as a call to action for the younger generation of their responsibility to continue the collaborative efforts, especially as survivors age.
Following the forum, Mr. Muhadi Sugiono, alongside other international guests, visited Hiroshima, where they met with Mayor Matsui and Hibakusha–the survivors of the atomic bombing. On the occasion, Mayor Matsui expressed a growing desire to “enhance the momentum for abolition and rectify the situation amid increasing risks of nuclear weapons use.” They also paid tribute at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and held a public symposium with local organizations.
Mr. Muhadi Sugiono and other international guests visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima.
The forum concluded with participants releasing proposals for the United Nations meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, scheduled to take place in New York in March 2025. These proposals aim to reinforce international commitments to nuclear disarmament and strengthen global efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.
On this occasion, Mr. Muhadi Sugiono also had an opportunity to interview the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winner–Nihon Hidankyo. See the full interview below:
Video Interview
Written by: Inggit Kartika Dini
Edited by: Nabilah Nur Abiyanti
[IIS RECAP] Peluncuran Kelas Daring “Netizen Juga Citizen: Menyemarakkan Aktivisme Digital”
/in Featured, News, Past Events/by iis.fisipolYogyakarta, 24 Oktober 2024 – Dalam rangka mewujudkan masyarakat yang lebih demokratis melalui aktivisme digital, Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (IIS UGM), berkolaborasi dengan British Council Alumni UK Social Action Grant, mengadakan peluncuran kelas daring yang berjudul “Netizen Juga Citizen: Menyemarakkan Aktivisme Digital”. Kelas ini dapat diakses oleh kalangan umum melalui FISIPOL UGM Online Campus (FOCUS UGM) secara gratis. Peluncuran kelas daring “Netizen Juga Citizen: Menyemarakkan Aktivisme Digital” merupakan acara yang diselenggarakan oleh IIS UGM yang didukung oleh British Council melalui skema hibah Alumni UK Social Action Grant yang mengangkat topik mengenai “Digital Activism For All.” Kelas daring ini diharapkan dapat membekali masyarakat dengan kemampuan untuk merefleksikan, melakukan, dan melembagakan aktivisme digital.
Sambutan dari Mr. Summer Xia selaku Country Director Indonesia & South East Asia Cluster Lead British Council.
Acara dimulai dengan sambutan pertama dari Mr. Summer Xia selaku Country Director Indonesia & South East Asia Cluster Lead British Council. “Aktivisme digital telah menjadi alat penting untuk mendorong perubahan positif dan mewujudkan masyarakat yang lebih adil. Dengan mengintegrasikannya ke dalam platform FOCUS UGM, kami akan membuat pendidikan aktivisme digital dapat diakses oleh semua orang,” ucap Mr. Summer Xia.
Sambutan kedua disampaikan oleh Dr. Luqman-Nul Hakim, Direktur IIS UGM. Dr. Luqman menekankan bahwa “Melalui kegiatan diskusi pada hari ini, kita diharapkan dapat belajar bersama dengan pembicara terkait pengalaman-pengalaman menggunakan dunia digital sebagai ruang aktivisme baru.”
Sambutan ketiga disampaikan oleh Dr. Wawan Mas’udi selaku Dekan FISIPOL UGM yang menggarisbawahi pentingnya aktivisme digital sebagai upaya untuk memperkuat demokrasi serta partisipasi masyarakat dalam berbagai aspek kehidupan. Sambutan tersebut juga menandakan diresmikannya kelas daring “Netizen Juga Citizen: Menyemarakkan Aktivisme Digital” di platform FOCUS UGM.
Selayang pandang kelas aktivisme digital oleh Dr. Diah Kusumaningrum.
Sebelum masuk ke diskusi utama, Dr. Diah Kusumaningrum memberikan selayang pandang tentang program kelas aktivisme digital. “Pada awalnya, IIS UGM dan Yayasan TIFA bekerja sama untuk membuat modul aktivisme digital. Modul tersebut menjadi basis dalam menyelenggarakan pelatihan di Yogyakarta, Makassar, maupun secara daring dan diikuti oleh 110 organisasi masyarakat sipil di Indonesia. Dari situlah kami berencana untuk memperluas kebermanfaatan dari modul aktivisme digital dengan meluncurkan kelas daring ‘Netizen Juga Citizen: Menyemarakkan Aktivisme Digital’ di platform FOCUS UGM,” kata Dr. Diah.
Acara kemudian dilanjutkan dengan sesi diskusi yang dipandu oleh Ni Made Diah Apsari Dewi. Terdapat tiga pembicara yang turut hadir untuk berbagi pengalaman serta perspektif mereka terkait aktivisme digital, yakni Muhammad Raafi (Koordinator Climate Rangers Jogja), Dzaky Putra Wirahman (Editor in Chief What Is Up, Indonesia?), dan Coory Yohana (Damai Pangkal Damai). Poin-poin yang dibahas berkaitan dengan definisi aktivisme digital, tantangan dan peluang aktivisme digital, serta bagaimana menggunakan aktivisme digital untuk merespons kondisi sosial politik kontemporer di sekitar kita.
Sesi diskusi bersama ketiga pembicara, yaitu Muhammad Raafi (Koordinator Climate Rangers Jogja), Coory Yohana (Damai Pangkal Damai), dan Dzaky Putra Wirahman (Editor in Chief What Is Up, Indonesia? – secara daring).
Beberapa temuan yang didapatkan dari sesi diskusi adalah pertama, aktivisme digital merupakan bagian yang tidak dapat terpisahkan dengan aktivisme konvensional. Aktivisme digital memiliki fungsi sebagai jalur penyebaran informasi, alat pembentuk narasi, serta jalur untuk mendukung aktivisme di lapangan. Kedua, ruang digital bukanlah tempat yang ‘netral’, melainkan tempat ‘tarik ulur’ kekuasaan sehingga kita sebaiknya melihat ruang tersebut sebagai wadah untuk menjalankan kewajiban kewarganegaraan melalui aktivisme digital. Ketiga, kita tidak perlu menunggu kata ‘siap’ untuk melakukan aktivisme digital. Mengambil langkah pertama dan membentuk komunitas merupakan dua hal penting. Komunitas tidak hanya akan ‘meminjamkan keberanian’, tetapi juga dapat melengkapi kekurangan dalam melakukan aktivisme digital yang mungkin kita miliki.
Setelah diskusi selesai, terdapat sesi tanya jawab untuk memberikan kesempatan bagi peserta dalam bertukar pendapat maupun memperdalam pengetahuan mereka. Kemudian, acara ditutup dengan sesi dokumentasi bersama.
Written by: Anggita Fitri Ayu Lestari
Editor: Albert Nathaniel & Ni Made Diah Apsari Dewi
[IIS RECAP] Stakeholders Meeting Penelitian Contesting Loss for Indonesian Communities in Climate Crisis (CLICCC)
/in Featured, News, Past Events/by iis.fisipolSebagai bagian dari kegiatan penelitian berjudul Contesting Loss for Indonesian Communities in Climate Crisis (CLICCC), Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (IIS UGM) bersama dengan Murdoch University serta anggota konsorsium CLICCC, mengadakan serangkaian acara diskusi dan pemaparan hasil penelitian pada tanggal 7 – 11 Oktober 2024. Dengan bergerak di bawah naungan hibah KONEKSI, kemitraan CLICCC terdiri dari Murdoch University Indo-Pacific Research Centre, sebagai mitra Australia. Sementara itu, IIS UGM merupakan ketua konsorsium Indonesia yang bermitra dengan RUJAK Centre for Urban Studies; Pusat Studi Pembangunan Berkelanjutan, Universitas Satya Wacana; Hubungan Internasional, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta; serta Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Hasanuddin.
Penelitian CLICCC berusaha untuk menjawab dua pertanyaan inti. Pertama, bagaimana kerugian dan kerusakan dihitung untuk dan dalam komunitas yang beragam, khususnya untuk sumber daya ekonomi, ekologi, serta non-ekonomi yang kompleks seperti pengetahuan adat dan kesehatan mental? Kedua, kemitraan seperti apa yang perlu dibangun oleh masyarakat dengan pemerintah untuk mengajukan klaim terhadap dana kerugian dan kerusakan secara global? Pertanyaan-pertanyaan inilah yang mendasari riset lapangan di tiga wilayah berbeda, yaitu Pulau Pari di Kepulauan Seribu, Penjaringan di Jakarta Utara, dan Banyusidi di Jawa Tengah.
Pada tanggal 7 – 8 Oktober 2024, tim CLICCC mengadakan rapat internal selama dua hari untuk mengevaluasi proyek strategis. Dua hal yang menjadi sasaran utama evaluasi berkaitan dengan relevansi pertanyaan penelitian dan objektif penelitian. Rapat internal tersebut juga membahas agenda untuk CSO day dan Government day. Dr. Rebecca Meckelburg, fellow researcher IIS UGM, menyampaikan bahwa kita perlu lebih peka ketika mendefinisikan ‘kerentanan’ dalam konsep pembuatan klaim. Komunitas mengalami kerugian ekonomi serta budaya yang berbeda-beda, di mana dampak yang dialami juga berkelindan dengan adanya ketidaksetaraan. Oleh karenanya, kita perlu berhati-hati dalam membuat klaim yang luas mengenai dampak perubahan iklim.
Lokakarya bersama organisasi masyarakat sipil dan para jurnalis pada tanggal 9 Oktober 2024.
Selanjutnya, pada tanggal 9 Oktober 2024, diadakan lokakarya bersama organisasi masyarakat sipil dan para jurnalis. Tujuan dari lokakarya tersebut adalah mengenalkan penelitian CLICCC kepada masyarakat sipil, membangun koalisi yang luas dan beragam untuk Loss & Damage (L&D), serta menciptakan ruang untuk saling berbagi hasil temuan. Lokakarya dihadiri oleh beberapa aktor, seperti WALHI, The Conversation, perwakilan masyarakat Muara Angke dan Muara Baru, perwakilan masyarakat Pulau Pari, serta perwakilan KONEKSI.
Acara dimulai dengan pembukaan dari Dr. Luqman-Nul Hakim selaku Direktur IIS UGM dan diikuti dengan sambutan dari Irene Pingkan Umboh selaku Wakil Kepala Bidang Kemitraan KONEKSI. Lokakarya kemudian dilanjutkan dengan presentasi oleh empat narasumber, yakni Pengenalan Konsorsium dan Kerangka Riset oleh Dr. Luqman-Nul Hakim, Lompat Skala dalam Advokasi Keadilan Iklim oleh Dr. Agung Wardana, Perubahan Iklim dan Dampak pada Masyarakat Pedesaan oleh Dr. Rebecca Meckelburg, serta Loss & Damage: Belajar dari Komunitas Pesisir Kota oleh RUJAK Centre for Urban Studies. Setelah presentasi selesai, terdapat sesi sharing bersama dan storyboard untuk memberikan kesempatan berbagi pendapat atau pengalaman para organisasi masyarakat sipil dan jurnalis yang berkaitan dengan krisis iklim.
Pemaparan hasil penelitian CLICCC bersama pemerintah pada tanggal 10 Oktober 2024.
Di hari keempat (10 Oktober 2024), tim CLICCC mengadakan Government day atau pemaparan hasil penelitian bersama pemerintah yang turut dihadiri oleh Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan Republik Indonesia; Direktur Pembangunan, Ekonomi, dan Lingkungan Hidup – Kementerian Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia, serta BAPPENAS. Tujuan dari pertemuan tersebut yaitu berbagi hasil penelitian dengan perwakilan pemerintah dan melakukan eksplorasi perkembangan terkini isu perubahan iklim, utamanya dalam hal perubahan rezim.
Kegiatan diawali dengan penjelasan mengenai penelitian CLICCC secara garis besar oleh Jacqui Baker dari Murdoch University dan Dr. Paskal Kleden dari KONEKSI. Jacqui Baker menyampaikan bahwa ide penelitian CLICCC muncul dari fakta di lapangan bahwa perubahan iklim sedang terjadi begitu cepat dan memberikan dampak ekonomi maupun non-ekonomi terhadap kehidupan masyarakat. Karenanya, perlu adanya riset mendalam untuk memetakan aspirasi guna memberikan bantuan kepada masyarakat yang mengalami dampak irreversible akibat perubahan iklim.
Kegiatan kemudian diisi dengan sesi pemaparan hasil penelitian oleh empat narasumber, yakni Dr. Luqman-Nul Hakim dari IIS UGM, Dr. Rebecca Meckelburg yang merupakan fellow researcher IIS UGM, Elisa Sutanudjaja dari RUJAK Centre for Urban Studies, serta Dr. Agung Wardana dari Universitas Gadjah Mada. Salah satu temuan penting dari pemaparan tersebut adalah tata kelola iklim di Indonesia, terutama dalam isu L&D masih kurang efektif karena belum ada kerangka regulasi yang dapat melindungi masyarakat terdampak iklim. Hal tersebut tercermin dari bagaimana slow-onset disaster belum diperhitungkan, padahal variabel tersebut merupakan karakteristik utama dari L&D. Tata kelola iklim nasional tampaknya hanya mereplikasi serta memperkuat model pembangunan teknokratik dan sentralistik. Setelah presentasi selesai, dilanjutkan dengan sesi tanggapan serta tanya jawab bersama pihak pemerintah.
Pada hari terakhir (11 Oktober 2024), acara ditutup dengan diselenggarakannya rapat internal oleh tim CLICCC untuk membahas refleksi dari desain penelitian di masa mendatang. Hal ini juga berkaitan dengan perencanaan kembali mengenai kolaborasi mitra, pengelolaan lembaga, serta jenis hibah yang ingin didapatkan di masa mendatang.
Written by: Anggita Fitri Ayu Lestari
Editor: Ni Made Diah Apsari Dewi
[IIS RECAP] GO-SOUTH 2024: Global South in Geopolitical Turbulence
/in Featured, News, Past Events/by iis.fisipolYogyakarta, 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.
Yako Kozano from the School of Foreign Studies, Aichi Prefectural University, presented his presentation in the roundtable discussion.
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.
Isao Yamazaki from the Faculty of Art and Regional Design, Saga University, presented his presentation in the roundtable discussion.
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