We are here, there, everywhere! – Shadow Report on Platform Work Standards in Southeast Asia

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Thursday, 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:

  • Governments must regulate platform labour through inclusive policies that recognise and protect workers’ rights.
  • Platforms must uphold transparency, guarantee fair pay, and stop using gamification as a coercive tool.
  • International institutions like the ILO must push for binding global standards on algorithmic management and digital labour governance.
  • And above all, workers must be heard—not as data, but as political agents demanding justice.

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

[IIS Brief] Indonesia and Japan: Navigating Geopolitical Shifts in the 21st Century

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The relationship between Indonesia and Japan has long been characterized by strong cultural and economic ties. However, contemporary dynamics require a broader geopolitical lens to capture the evolving nature of their partnership.

This IIS Brief highlights how the relationship between the two countries has expanded beyond trade and cultural exchanges to the area of strategic partnership in security, defense, and regional stability, as well as examines both countries positionality within the broader regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

Check out our new released IIS Brief at ugm.id/IISBrief11

IIS Monograph Series #9 | Damai Pangkal Damai – The World Is Not Okay: Nonviolent Resistance in Indonesia and the World 2024

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2024 was election year for more than half of the world’s population. Unfortunately, instead of being the year where democracy gets more consolidated, it may go down in history as the year where autocratic actors succeeded in consolidating their power through democratic mechanisms. If anything, this should be a good reason to up our nonviolent resistance.

In Indonesia, the year 2024 played host to thousands congregating at the “Garuda Biru” (Blue Eagle) rallies. In South Korea, Bangladesh, and Guatemala, civil resistance overthrew leaders that betrayed the spirit of democracy. Meanwhile, amidst repression, citizens of Iran and Afghanistan continued to resist, despite the need to lay low.

The World is Not Okay: Nonviolent Resistance in Indonesia and the World 2024
– Indonesia 2024: The Dark Knights Rise, diah kusumaningrum
– ⁠2024 Maximalist Wrapped: A Mixed Genre of Maintenance, Persistence, and Anticipating Divergence, Dhania Salsha Handiani
– ⁠”We are obedient to the leader!” The Curious Case of Pro-Government Non-Violent Mass Mobilization, Daniel Petz
– ⁠Unarmed Civilian Protection: A Radical Idea or Common Sense?, Huibert Oldenhuis
– ⁠Chaiwat Satha-Anand’s “Mission: Impossible” as a Muslim Nonviolence Scholar Who Engaged Nonviolence with the State, Chayanit Poonyarat

Download this Monograph through: ugm.id/IISMonograph9English

ICAN Calls for Stronger Commitment to TPNW Universalisation

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Mr. 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

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On 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 Monograph Series #8 | STAIR and the Futures of International Relations from Indonesia

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STAIR and the Futures of International Relations from Indonesia is more than a book—it’s a manifesto for reimagining global politics through the lens of the Global South!

From the birth of the STAIR Community in Indonesia to the urgency of decolonizing IR studies, this monograph challenges the traditional perspectives by incorporating critical approaches, such as phenomenology, the politics of technology, and aesthetics into international studies. This STAIR monograph invites us to embrace new ways of thinking about IR!

Access this monograph through http://ugm.id/IISMonograph8

[IIS Recap] AAS-in-Asia Conference 2024 Panel Session: Contesting Loss for Indonesian Communities in Climate-Crisis

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On July 9th – 11th, 2024, the Association for Asian Studies and Universitas Gadjah Mada organized the AAS-in-Asia Conference 2024 themed Global Asias: Latent Histories, Manifest Impacts in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. At this conference, the Institute of International Studies, Department of International Relations, Universitas Gadjah Mada (IIS UGM), collaborating with Murdoch University and RUJAK Center for Urban Studies, presented a panel session titled “Contesting Loss for Indonesian Communities in Climate-Crisis” on Thursday, 11th July 2024. The panel session was held in Room 310, 3rd Floor of the R. Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. It discussed the consortium’s ongoing research project under the KONEKSI-DFAT research grant regarding Indonesia’s Loss and Damage (L&D) framework and how communities can be involved in decision-making.

Dr. Luqman-nul Hakim, the Director of the Institute of International Studies, presented his presentation in the panel session.

The panel session began with a presentation on “L&D and Political-Economy of Sustainable Development in Indonesia” by Dr. Luqman-nul Hakim, the Director of the Institute of International Studies. In his presentation, Dr. Luqman highlighted that ineffective climate governance poses significant threats to the welfare and safety of the Indonesian community. The inadequacy to handle the Loss and Damage issue can be seen through how adaptive approach to climate change still prioritizes economic gains rather than the protection of human rights. In the international sphere, the effectiveness of Indonesia’s climate diplomacy on L&D is compromised when there is a lack of domestic legitimacy and inadequate credibility globally.

Dr. Rebecca Meckelburg delivered her presentation in the panel session.

The second presentation was delivered by Dr. Rebecca Meckelburg, titled “Measuring Loss and Damage: The Significance of Local-Indigenous Relationships in Comprehending Climate Change Impacts.” This presentation is based on ethnographic field-research findings in Banyusidi. One of the major findings underscores the need to develop a ‘common language’ for discussing climate change, as there are specific local terms used by local communities to talk about climate change. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate local knowledge to identify climate change and its impacts.

The panel session continued with the third presentation from the RUJAK Center for Urban Studies by Dr. Dian Tri Irawaty, who explained the “Urban Findings Report” based on field research findings in the Penjaringan sub-district. Dr. Dian underscored that climate change has worsened the economic, socio-political, and environmental problems. The main measurable consequences communities have faced include income reduction and increased expenses. Meanwhile, the non-measurable consequences include physical or mental health, and conflict among community members in Penjaringan.

In the last presentation, Dr. Agung Wardana from Universitas Gadjah Mada presented the L&D in Small Islands with the case study of Pari Island. Dr. Agung narrowed down the focus to the experience of Pari Island, as a sub-national small island whose inhabitants recently launched a climate litigation through the Asmania et al. vs Holcim case. In his presentation, he analyzed the structural factors that have influenced the climate-affected community in the Global South to decide to engage in transnational climate litigation. The panel session was then followed by a Q & A Session.

 

Written by: Anggita Fitri Ayu Lestari

Editor: Ni Made Diah Apsari Dewi & Nabilah Nur Abiyanti

 

 

[IIS Recap] Discussion with the Asia New Zealand Foundation: Contesting Loss for Indonesian Communities in Climate-Crisis

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Yogyakarta, 27 June 2024 — The Global Engagement Office (GEO) and the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL), Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the Institute of International Studies, Department of International Relations, Universitas Gadjah Mada (IIS UGM), hosted a discussion with the Asia New Zealand Foundation. The discussion was held in the Dean’s courtroom, 2nd floor of the BB building, FISIPOL, and included several series of activities in a hybrid scheme. It aimed to talk about the main theme of Contesting Loss for Indonesian Communities in Climate-Crisis.

Dr. Fina Itriyati, the Vice Dean of FISIPOL UGM, delivered her welcome speech.

The discussion was moderated by Yulida Nuraini Santoso, M.Sc, the Manager of GEO FISIPOL, and began with the opening remarks from Dr. Luqman-nul Hakim, the Director of the Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada. It continued with a welcome speech from the Vice Dean of FISIPOL UGM, Dr. Fina Itriyati. “It is important to see how communities can participate in policy-making to ensure their voices are heard. Thus, cooperation between universities and think tanks is crucial to create a collective effort against climate change,” said Dr. Fina.

Dr. Jordan King from the Asia New Zealand Foundation delivered his welcome speech.

Furthermore, the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Representative also delivered a welcome speech. According to Dr. Jordan King, New Zealand and Indonesia share significant similarities, including the presence of strong indigenous communities, their geographical location within the Ring of Fire, a close trading partnership, and a history of colonization. Due to its significant economic expansion and geopolitical influence, it is imperative to visit Indonesia and have a comprehensive understanding of the country.

The discussion with the Asia New Zealand Foundation began with the first presentation from Ms. Elisa Sutanudjaja, the Executive Director of RUJAK Center for Urban Studies. This presentation was based on field research findings in the Penjaringan sub-district. Ms. Elisa highlighted that climate change is not well-identified. As communities experience different conditions, they have different methods to identify climate change. Her findings also suggest that the existing national policy puts communities at more risk since the community is not engaged in the policy-making process. The inadequate leadership and insufficient engagement with the community generate unclear indicators and goals of climate change that endangers the livelihood of the Indonesian community.

The second presentation was delivered by Dr. Agung Wardana from Universitas Gadjah Mada, who explained the loss and damage in Pari Island, Kepulauan Seribu Regency. According to Dr. Agung, Indonesia is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, where numerous small islands in the country are in danger. The beauty of Pari Island has led to conflicts over its ownership. The company asserts ownership over 90% of the island, while the government manages the remaining 10% for conservation. Additionally, due to the geographic condition of Pari Island, the area is more prone to face severe problems regarding climate change impacts, such as more frequent coastal flooding. It puts the communities in a vulnerable economic condition as they depend on fishing for their livelihood.

Dr. Luqman-nul Hakim, the Director of the Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada, presented his ongoing research in the discussion.

In the last presentation, Dr. Luqman-nul Hakim presented the Politics of Sustainable Development in an Age of Climate Crisis. Indonesia has been involved in various global climate regimes and tried to adopt the global goals on climate change. However,  the implementation of those normative goals in the national development context remains uncertain. “National climate governance strengthens the technocratic approach to deal with the climate crisis, and Indonesia has not sufficiently developed tools related to the Loss and Displacement issue,” emphasized Dr. Luqman. The discussion was then followed by a Q&A and documentation session.

Written by: Anggita Fitri Ayu Lestari
Editor: Albert Nathaniel & Nabilah Nur Abiyanti