The Centre for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) is proud to have recently hosted its 33rd SEA CHAT, which was delivered via a two-part Zoom conference. This panel discussion featured four speakers from Russia’s Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), who each presented on a socio-political topic and its relevance to Indonesia. 

Gleb Darchenkov spoke first, delivering the “Information Technology in Modern ASEAN” presentation. This presentation provided information about the process of developing Indonesia’s digital economy, the intersection of Indonesia’s Information Technology sector with the country’s approach to foreign policy, and the perception of Information Technology among the Indonesian population. Gleb evidenced that Indonesia’s demographics and population position it as the largest spender on technology in Southeast Asia and the world’s 4th largest mobile market. As a result, Indonesia is witnessing a boom in eCommerce and financial technology which, coupled with a technologically capable population, predicts a high level of competitiveness from Indonesia during a digital era.  read more

The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada proudly present a panel discussion that held on Friday, 25th November 2022. The panel discussion was SEA CHAT #33 as the monthly program of CESSAS to discuss the current issue in the Southeast Asian Country. In this session, there were two students intern from MGIMO University, Russia as the speakers. 

The first presentation delivered entitled “Cultural Diplomacy between Russia and Indonesia” by Tatiana Putcniakova. Tatiana started the discussion with outlined the topic to understand the definition of cultural diplomacy. Tatiana stated from Barghon’s book said that “Cultural diplomacy is the manipulation of cultural materials and personnel for propaganda purposes” (Barghorn, 1930). Besides, Tatiana also cited the definition of cultural policy that, “Cultural Policy is a set of principles, administrative and financial activities and procedures that provide the basis for state action in the cultural sphere” (The UNESCO report ‘Cultural Policy – Preliminary Consideration, 1967).  Then, Tatiana highlighted that cultural diplomacy used in the international arena for many countries including between Russia and Indonesia.  read more

On Monday, October 31st, 2022, the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held a welcoming meeting for Thomas Bartley, a student intern from the University of Adelaide, Australia. Thomas will participate in the internship program at CESASS from November to the end of December to gain experience in research and build networks with Southeast Asia social studies researchers and experts in CESASS.

The meeting started with a brief introduction led by Rizki Dwi Wibawa, CESASS Cooperation Staff, who greeted the intern and explained the research activities and work of the Center, as well as the opportunities provided by the internship. An introduction to fellow student interns and other members of the Center was conducted afterward. They shared their cultural background and exchanged views about their research interests. read more

Last Thursday (27/10), Center of South-East Asia Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held a sharing session with international student intern, Zacharie Nichols-Lang from Murdoch University, Australia. Attended by more than 10 people, Zac explained about “Australia, the Monarchy, and the Commonwealth,” where he underlined that after Queen Elizabeth II died, the discourse of shifting to a republican nation state is rising in Australia. 

Zac opened his presentation by explaining about Australia’s political system which is a combination of British Westminster and the United States of America’s influence. In addition, sharing a fun fact about Australian political culture, Zac also mentioned about “Democratic Snags” or “Democratic Sausages,” a sausage wrapped in a slice of bread that later will be given to every voter across Australia when it comes to national election day.  read more