Activity

Yogyakarta, January 20, 2025 – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted a delegation from the Asian School of Business (ASB)-MIT Sloan School of Management, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melati Nungsari, Faculty Director of the ASEAN Research Center. Accompanying her were Ms. Shre Maha Manohar, Research & Communications Executive, and Ms. Fatimah Zahra Ros’azam, Research Associate. The visit marks a significant step in fostering academic exchange and exploring collaborative opportunities between the two institutions.

The Asian School of Business (ASB), established by the Central Bank of Malaysia in collaboration with the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, is internationally recognized for its innovative graduate business education. While ASB students benefit from an affiliation with MIT, they are not automatically enrolled as MIT students. However, ASB offers a 1+1 Program, allowing students to spend one year at ASB and an additional year at MIT. Admission to this program requires students to apply separately and meet MIT’s rigorous selection criteria.

Expanding Partnerships in Education and Research

During the visit, representatives from ASB and CESASS exchanged insights on their respective programs, research initiatives, and institutional developments. The visit underscores CESASS UGM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional and global academic networks, further solidifying its role as a hub for advancing Southeast Asian social studies. Both institutions expressed optimism about leveraging their shared expertise to drive innovation and contribute to the region’s growth.

For more information, visit CESASS UGM’s official website.

The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held the 17th International Asian Urbanization Conference (IAUC) from January 14 to 16, 2025. The conference, themed “Rethinking Sustainable Urban Development and Urban Futures in the Digital Age,” took place at Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur, Bali. The IAUC was chaired by Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Director of CESASS UGM. The event was supported by the Asian Urban Research Association (AURA) and the Faculty of Geography UGM. It attracted significant international academic attention, with a total of 59 abstracts, 31 presenters, and 6 participants from 9 countries: Indonesia, the United States, Germany, Romania, France, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and Taiwan.

The conference featured distinguished international experts as keynote speakers, including Prof. George Pomeroy (Executive Director of AURA and Professor of Geography and Earth Science at Shippensburg University), Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T. (Director of CESASS UGM and Professor of Urban Geography, UGM), Prof. Frauke Kraas (Coordinator of the Forum for Urban Future in Southeast Asia and Professor of Urban Development at the University of Cologne), and Prof. Emeritus Dr. Debnath Mookherjee (Professor of Geography, College of the Environment, Western Washington University), who joined virtually. Additionally, the conference hosted invited speakers, including Prof. Liliana Dumitrache (Professor of Human and Economic Geography at the University of Bucharest) and Prof. Yves Boquet (Professor of Transportation Geography at the University of Bourgogne).

The opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Director of CESASS and chair of the conference, followed by Prof. George Pomeroy, Director of AURA, and Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Dean of the Faculty of Geography UGM, via video messages. Alongside scientific presentation sessions that discussed various strategic issues in sustainable urban development, the conference served as a vital platform for strengthening international academic connections and collaborations among speakers, presenters, and participants.

Conference attendees also participated in a field trip to observe sustainable urban development practices firsthand in Bali. As the host, CESASS UGM hopes this event has made a meaningful contribution to strengthening and expanding international collaborations across Southeast Asia and beyond, while addressing the challenges of sustainable urban and social development in the digital age.

Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Head of Centre for Southeast Asian Social Studies (PSSAT) UGM, became a speaker at the Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) Program UGM, ACICIS, and Monash University, on 10 January 2025. He delivered the material “Urbanisation, Smart City, and Cases of Indonesia (IKN and Kali Code)”.

The event was attended by students and lecturers from Monash University.

Yogyakarta, 19 December 2024 – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) warmly welcomed Prof. James Robson, Director of the Harvard-Yenching Institute (HYI), and Dr. Ruohong Li, Associate Director of HYI. The visit marked a strategic step for HYI, which has primarily focused on East Asia, to expand its academic connections and initiatives to Southeast Asia. HYI is a prestigious institution supporting academic development in the Social Sciences and Humanities across Asia. It hosts Visiting Scholars and Fellows through its funded research programs at Harvard University.

The visit commenced with a reception at the Indonesia Room, CESASS UGM Library. Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Director of CESASS UGM, welcomed the HYI delegation alongside CESASS staff. The session began with Prof. Rini presenting CESASS’s profile and activities, followed by presentations from Prof. Robson and Dr. Li on HYI’s mission and the purpose of their visit. The discussion covered various topics, including CESASS’s ongoing activities and the general academic landscape at UGM, particularly concerning faculty qualifications.

The delegation then proceeded to Ruang Sidang 2, Balairung UGM, where they met representatives from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, CESASS, ASEAN Studies Center (ASC) UGM, the Department of International Relations, and DKRG. The discussions highlighted three key points:

First, HYI encouraged UGM faculty members to utilize its Visiting Scholars Program, a fully funded 10-month research program hosted by HYI. Second, HYI recommended UGM lecturers holding master’s degrees consider the PhD Double Degree Program offered jointly by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and HYI, which is also fully funded.

Finally, UGM proposed a partnership with HYI for the upcoming ASEAN University Network (AUN) Summer Camp 2025, where UGM will serve as host. Prof. Robson expressed interest in collaborating and agreed to further internal coordination.

Yogyakarta, 3 December 2024 – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully hosted the GEO-PW Webinar Series on IKN Development #5 and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Creative, Innovative, and Smart Sustainable City Concept for the Capital City.” This event, part of the Indonesian Collaborative Research (RKI) initiative, was organized with the support of the Smart City, Village, and Region Study Group and the Urban Development Study Group, both from the Faculty of Geography, UGM.

Held online, the event commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Geography UGM, and Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, Head of CESASS UGM. The webinar featured three distinguished speakers from the Capital City Authority (OIKN). Prof. Mohammed Ali Berawi, M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D., Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation, delivered the first session, discussing sustainable and digital innovations. The second session was presented by Mia Amalia, S.T., M.Si., Ph.D., Deputy for Planning and Land Affairs, who elaborated on strategic land management in IKN. Finally, Drs. H. Alimuddin, M.Si., Deputy for Social, Cultural, and Community Empowerment, explored social empowerment strategies for fostering innovation in the capital city.

Following the webinar, the event transitioned into the 2024 RKI FGD. The research initiatives brought together researchers from UGM, Universitas Indonesia (UI), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Universiti Sains Malaysia, and the University of Yangon. The research team, led by Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, presented ongoing findings before engaging with a panel of experts.

The research team included:

• Prof. Ir. Dana Indra Sensuse, M.LIS., Ph.D. (UI)
• Dr.techn. Wikan Danar Sunindyo, S.T., M.Sc. (ITB)
• Galuh Syahbana Indraprahasta, ST, M.Si., Ph.D. (BRIN)
• Assc. Prof. Dr. Khoo Suet Leng (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
• Prof. Dr. Khin Khin Soe (University of Yangon, Myanmar)

Expert panelists provided their insights, including Dr. Phil. Hendricus Andy Simarmata, ST, M.Si (Chairman, Indonesian Association of Planners), and Prof. Dr.sc.agr. Iwan Rudiarto, S.T., M.Sc. (UNDIP). International contributors such as Dr. Lim Seng Boon (Universiti Teknologi MARA) and Zin Mar Aye (ASEAN Smart Cities Network) enriched the dialogue with comparative perspectives.

The event highlighted CESASS UGM’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and advancing Southeast Asia’s development discourse. This platform not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also underscored the importance of innovation and sustainability in shaping future urban landscapes.

Yogyakarta, November 26, 2024 — The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held a dissemination event for the 2024 Public Satisfaction Survey (SKM) on Infrastructure Services in Yogyakarta City. The program, organized in collaboration with the Dinas Pekerjaan Umum, Perumahan, dan Kawasan Permukiman (DPUPKP) Kota Yogyakarta, aimed to present findings and recommendations to improve service quality for the local community.

The event, hosted on the second floor of the CESASS UGM office, was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Head of CESASS UGM and Chair of the 2024 SKM Team for Yogyakarta City. Distinguished speakers included Umi Akhsanti, S.T., M.T. (Kepala DPUPKP Kota Yogyakarta), Erna Susanti, S.E. (Sekretaris DPUPKP Kota Yogyakarta), and Nini Yuniarti, S.E. (Perencana Ahli Muda DPUPKP Kota Yogyakarta). The session was also attended by survey assistants and data collectors, primarily graduate students from UGM’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning program.

During the event, Prof. Rini presented the key findings from the survey, which were based on extensive field data. She highlighted areas of strength as well as aspects requiring improvement in the city’s infrastructure services. Specific recommendations were offered to DPUPKP Yogyakarta City, focusing on actionable steps to address identified challenges and enhance public satisfaction.

Following the presentation, representatives from DPUPKP responded to the findings, acknowledging the feedback and committing to institutional follow-ups based on the provided recommendations. The survey results are expected to serve as a benchmark for evaluating the department’s performance and implementing necessary corrections to improve the delivery of infrastructure services for Yogyakarta City residents.

This dissemination event reflects CESASS UGM’s dedication to bridging academic research with policy-making and public service. By fostering collaboration between academia and local government agencies, CESASS continues to contribute to creating impactful, evidence-based solutions for societal challenges.

Yogyakarta, November 20, 2024 — The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) UGM successfully organized a virtual general discussion titled “The Impact of the BRICS Factor on Contemporary Prospects of Indonesia-Russia Relations.” This event explored the influence of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) on global geopolitics and its implications for Indonesia’s relationship with Russia.

Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, M.A., from CESASS UGM, as a speaker was joined by Dr. Luqman-nul Hakim from the Institute of International Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Dr. Ekaterina Koldunova from the ASEAN Centre at MGIMO University, Russia. The discussion provided valuable insights into BRICS as a platform for international cooperation, emphasizing its potential to address pressing global issues and foster bilateral engagements between member countries.

The event attracted active participation from students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University) and various faculties of Universitas Gadjah Mada. Their insightful questions and comments enriched the discussion, reflecting the significance of academic engagement in shaping future policies and international relations.

Key topics included the potential for BRICS to act as a counterbalance to existing Western-dominated global frameworks, the opportunities it provides for Indonesia and Russia to strengthen their partnership, and the importance of fostering multilateral cooperation to address shared challenges such as climate change and economic disparities.

The session concluded with a call for further academic and policy-oriented discussions to explore concrete strategies for maximizing BRICS’ potential in enhancing Indonesia-Russia relations.

Yogyakarta, November 15, 2024 — The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) UGM is pleased to announce the participation of Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Head of CESASS UGM, as a speaker in the recent Policy Discussion Forum on Demand-Based Transportation Services. Organized by Obviously Sustainable in partnership with Grab, the event took place in Jakarta and focused on advancing insights into smart transportation and sustainable urban development.

Prof. Rini presented on the topic, “Smart City: Smart Transportation (Mobility) and Sustainability”, where she shared her expertise on the integration of smart technology into urban transport systems. Her presentation highlighted the crucial role of data-driven mobility solutions in supporting sustainable city growth, enhancing urban efficiency, and improving residents’ quality of life. Attendees included policymakers, industry representatives, and researchers, all working toward a shared vision of smart and sustainable urban transportation.

Following the presentation, the event featured a focus group discussion (FGD) where stakeholders collaboratively explored the possibilities of research-driven advancements in demand-based transportation services. Key discussion points centered on the role of data, technological innovation, and public-private partnerships in enabling efficient, responsive urban mobility solutions. The FGD aimed to identify potential areas for further research and collaboration between academic institutions like and industry leaders.

The forum concluded with a tour of Grab’s office, where participants had the opportunity to observe firsthand the operational processes and technologies behind one of Southeast Asia’s leading transportation platforms. This event sets the groundwork for continued collaboration between academic institution and the industry, paving the way for impactful research that could shape future smart transportation policies in Indonesia and beyond.

Yogyakarta, October 22, 2024 – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) UGM held a Research Publication and Journal Management Training on Tuesday  (22/10). This event served as a platform for enhancing the knowledge and skills of participants in academic publishing and journal management.

The event was officially opened by the Head of CESASS UGM, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., who delivered an opening remark emphasizing the importance of mastering the processes of research dissemination through high-quality journal publications.

The training featured Prof. Liliana Dumitrache, Editor-in-Chief of Human Geographies: Journal of Studies and Research in Human Geography, from the University of Bucharest. Prof. Dumitrache shared her valuable experience in managing a SCOPUS-indexed journal, offering practical insights on editorial strategies and best practices for increasing journal visibility and academic impact.

The event was attended by The Head of CESASS UGM, staffs, and international interns, further strengthening the center’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and research collaboration.

Yogyakarta, October 19, 2024 – The Head of the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) UGM, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., was invited as a distinguished speaker at the talk show titled “Better Urban Future: Implementasi Kota Cerdas” (Smart Cities Implementation). The event was part of the 2024 Habitat Day and World Cities Day celebrations, organized by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing Republic of Indonesia (KemenPUPR) at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM. During the talk show, Prof. Rini discussed the critical role of smart city implementation in fostering better urban futures, emphasizing sustainable and innovative city planning.

The event provided a platform for experts, government officials, and academics to share insights on urban innovation and address the challenges of modern city planning. The discussions emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to achieve inclusive, efficient, and future-ready cities.

CESASS UGM’s involvement in this event reflects its commitment to contributing to discussions on urban development and sustainable practices in Southeast Asia and beyond.