Activity

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.

Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Head of CESASS UGM and Chair of the Regional Development Studies Program, Master of Geography UGM, had the honor of speaking at a workshop for the course “Smart City Planning Practices” held by the Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret. In this event, held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, she delivered an insightful presentation on “The Implementation of Smart City Concepts in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN).”

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – 11th September 2024: The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, with support from the ASEAN Secretariat, successfully organized the ASEAN-Plus Three International Seminar on East Asian Studies at ASEAN-Plus Three Countries Universities and the ASEAN-Plus Three Student Camp from September 9–11, 2024, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The closing session of the APT Seminar on East Asian Studies and APT Student Camp, held at UC Hotel UGM, marked the successful conclusion of three days of discussions, cultural exchanges, and collaboration among ASEAN countries and their East Asian partners.

The event was led by Masters of Ceremony, Zaky and Shyna, who opened the session by welcoming each participating ASEAN country, along with the Plus Three nations: Japan, China, and South Korea. Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, M.A. delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on the achievements of the past three days. “I still see the same enthusiasm we had during the opening ceremony. We have forged connections and shared meaningful experiences. Despite the busy schedule, the spirit remains high. I also extend my gratitude to the Directorate of ASEAN Cooperation, the Directorate of Socio-Cultural Cooperation, and the Ministry of Education,” said Drs. Muhadi.

One of the key highlights of the closing ceremony was the presentation of the Jogja Declaration on East Asian Identities by student representatives David and Keyzha. The declaration, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and unity among the ASEAN Plus Three participants, was handed over to Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, M.A., the Program Coordinator, and was met with resounding applause.

The ceremony concluded with a memorable group photo, capturing the unity between the participants and representatives from the Directorate of ASEAN Cooperation.

Following the formal session, participants were treated to a cultural exhibition by SWAGAYUGAMA and a video screening featuring entries from a video competition. Videos from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand were showcased. Two awards were presented: Best Performance and Most Favorite Video, the latter being voted on by the participants.

As dinner was served, attendees enjoyed a performance of “Sekar Pudyastuti Wetah,” or “The Blossoming Flower of Reverence and Praise,” by SWAGAYUGAMA. This was followed by additional artistic performances from participants representing the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.

The closing ceremony culminated in a group photo in true ASEAN style, bringing together all delegates from ASEAN member states, observers, and the Plus Three countries. The Masters of Ceremony bid farewell to the participants, marking the end of a highly successful ASEAN Plus Three gathering.

About CESASS UGM:

The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is a leading research center dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of Southeast Asia. CESASS UGM conducts research, provides academic programs, and promotes knowledge exchange to deepen understanding of Southeast Asia’s diverse cultures, societies, and development challenges.

About UGM:

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is a prestigious university located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to community engagement. UGM strives to nurture global-minded scholars and leaders who will contribute to the advancement of society.

Writer: Muwalliha Syahdani

Pusat Studi Sosial Asia Tenggara UGM

pssat@ugm.ac.id

(0274) 589658

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – 10th September 2024: The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, with support from the ASEAN Secretariat, hosted the second day of the event with an excursion aimed at introducing participants, including students and experts, to Yogyakarta’s World Heritage sites. The day’s itinerary featured a walk along the Philosophical Axis, which stretches from the Golong-Gilig Monument (Tugu) to the 0km monument.

The Philosophical Axis is part of Yogyakarta’s larger Cosmological Axis, symbolizing the spiritual relationship between humanity and the divine. This alignment represents the connection between humans and God, with the Merapi-Keraton-Southern Coast axis embodying the macrocosm, linking humans to the divine, and the Tugu Pal Putih-Keraton-Krapyak axis symbolizing the microcosm, reflecting human interaction with the environment. These alignments are deeply rooted in Yogyakarta’s traditional spatial planning, rituals, and ceremonies, which seamlessly blend Islamic and Javanese influences.

Following the tour of the Philosophical Axis, participants visited the Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java. Borobudur is a Buddhist temple from the Sailendra Dynasty, constructed under the reign of King Samaratungga around 824 AD. It remains an important spiritual site for Buddhist monks throughout Southeast Asia, particularly during Vesak Day celebrations. After spending a significant portion of the day exploring Borobudur, participants proceeded to the Prambanan Temple to witness the Ramayana Ballet (Sendratari Ramayana).

Even though it was raining heavily, the participants’ enthusiasm remained undiminished as they enjoyed the show. One testimony from Lorn, Cambodia, summed up the experience: “The Ramayana Ballet and Temple was really similar to the one in Cambodia. I believe we have the shared culture among us. Watching the ballet really reminds me of my country.”

About CESASS UGM:

The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is a leading research center dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of Southeast Asia. CESASS UGM conducts research, provides academic programs, and promotes knowledge exchange to deepen understanding of Southeast Asia’s diverse cultures, societies, and development challenges.

About UGM:

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is a prestigious university located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to community engagement. UGM strives to nurture global-minded scholars and leaders who will contribute to the advancement of society.

Writer: Muwalliha Syahdani

Pusat Studi Sosial Asia Tenggara UGM

pssat@ugm.ac.id

(0274) 589658