Photo: Instagram post by @oatjo (2023, November 29)

Introduction

Because of the growing influence of entertainment, more tourists are flocking to visit destinations featured in various media, notably films. Reflecting on this, Iwashita (2003) pointed out that film, television, and literature wield significant power in shaping the travel preferences and destination choices of individuals. Through the lens of films, individuals are exposed to a variety of destinations, igniting their interests by portraying the unique attributes and attractions of each one. For instance, the global popularity of South Korean entertainment, known as Hallyu or Korean Wave, has led to a surge in tourism to South Korea, with many fans of Korean dramas visiting filming locations. Not just showcasing breathtaking natural landscapes, films also serve as powerful marketing tools, promoting destinations through captivating narration and visuals (Horrigan, 2009). read more

Yogyakarta, November 28, 2025 — “Aquaculture and mangrove clearance sit at the intersection of Indonesia’s primary development challenges: food insecurity, intransigent poverty, and climate instability.” This issue formed the central discussion of CESASS-CHAT #4, hosted by the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM).

The session featured Edward Atkinson, a student of International Security Studies and Development Studies at the Australian National University (ANU). He delivered a presentation on the topic of “Aquaculture and Climate Resilience in Indonesia”.  read more

Yogyakarta, Jakarta, 2025 — An ongoing research titled Bridging Ambitions and Realities: Indonesia’s Pacific Elevation, Ocean-Based Climate Diplomacy, and Regional Leadership reports significant progress. Supported by the FISIPOL (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences) UGM Research Grant 2025, the research is led by Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, M.A., Head of the Research, Education, and Cooperation Division at CESASS UGM, with Nurina Aulia Haris, M.A., Research Manager at CESASS UGM, serving as a member of the research team. read more

Photo: Chalinee Thirasupa / Reuters (February 2, 2023)

Abstract

Southeast Asia faces a serious air pollution crisis due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and unsustainable farming practices. The proposed Clean Air Act in Thailand represents a crucial step in tackling this pressing issue and reflects broader debates on the effectiveness of legislative interventions. This article examines the provisions and potential impacts of Thailand’s Clean Air Act. While the Act introduces promising measures such as recognizing the right to clean air and establishing committees for air quality management, concerns persist regarding enforcement mechanisms, socioeconomic implications, and the perpetuation of car dependency. By contextualizing the Act within the broader context of systemic challenges and competing priorities, this article emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive and holistic approaches to air pollution management. Collaborative efforts across governance levels, embracing sustainable practices, technological innovation, and fostering public participation are essential for effectively addressing air pollution not only in Thailand but also across Southeast Asia. read more

Yogyakarta, November 17, 2025 — Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM), represented by the Head of the Program and Publication, Dr. phil. Vissia Ita Yulianto, hosted a visit by Dr. Rizanna Rosemary from Pusat Riset Ilmu Sosial dan Budaya (Research Center for Social and Cultural Studies) at Universitas Syiah Kuala (PRISB USK).

Dr. Rizanna introduced USK’s new Master’s Program in Peace and Conflict Resolution (MDRK), rooted in Aceh’s historical experience in peacebuilding and social transformation. She also invited CESASS to collaborate through guest lectures, joint seminars, academic exchanges, or research partnerships. read more

Thailand, November 13, 2025 — The former Director of CESASS UGM, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T. and Nurina Aulia Haris met with representatives from Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies (PSDS), Thammasat University, including Dr. Nuttavikhom Phantuwongpakdee (Dr. Kay), an International Affairs Staff, and two students. During the meeting, the team discussed potential collaborations that PSDS and CESASS can build to support the students. During the meeting, the team discussed potential areas of collaboration that PSDS and CESASS can pursue to support students. read more

Thailand, November 13–14, 2025 — The SEASREP 2025 Conference marked the 30th anniversary of the Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program (SEASREP). The conference took place at the Institute of East Asian Studies of Thammasat University, Thailand, and gathered scholars, practitioners, and long-time supporters of Southeast Asian Studies. It was not only an academic event but also a celebration of the thirty years of SEASREP’s contribution to the empowerment of scholarship in the region. read more

Yogyakarta, November 4–5, 2025 — As a multidisciplinary research center, the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) offers interns in the CESASS Internship Program diverse learning experiences. In addition to participating in CESASS’s internal activities, interns are encouraged to take part in various external engagements, such as public lectures, seminars, academic fairs, training, cultural events, exhibitions, and conferences.

This time, one of the international interns from the  Vrije Universiteit, Netherlands, Hüdanur Yildirim, had the opportunity to participate in the 13th International Graduate Students and Scholars’ Conference in Indonesia (IGSSCI) with the theme “Navigating the Future: Strengthening Resilience Through Global Collaboration Towards World Peace”, hosted by the Graduate School UGM and held on 4–5 November 2025. read more

Yogyakarta, November 14, 2025 — Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM), welcomed representatives from the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) for a coordination meeting to review the ongoing internship program hosted under the CESASS Internship Program.

This semester, three ACICIS students are undertaking their internship at CESASS through the Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP). As the internship reached its halfway point, the meeting served as an opportunity for both institutions to review the students’ activities, evaluate their progress, identify challenges, and discuss areas for improvement. read more

Yogyakarta, November 10, 2025 — Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held a meeting for the handover of financial and activity reports.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., former Director of CESASS, and Dr. Wawan Mas’udi, S.IP., M.P.A., Ph.D., who is currently serving as the Interim Director of CESASS, along with the CESASS staff.

Beyond the handover process, the meeting also served as an opportunity for Dr. Wawan and the CESASS staff to engage in introductory discussions and exchange insights regarding the center’s ongoing activities and direction. read more