Yogyakarta, June 29, 2026 — A hybrid academic class session titled “Colonial Contestation of Maritime in the 19th Century and Its Impact on Maritime Sovereignty in Southeast Asia” was successfully held, featuring Prof. Dr. Farish A. Noor as the keynote speaker. In his lecture, Prof. Noor examined the enduring influence of colonialism on Southeast Asia’s maritime identity, territorial understanding, and sovereignty, encouraging participants to critically reflect on the region’s historical and contemporary maritime perspectives. read more

Yogyakarta, July 5, 2026 — A joint research initiative between the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies at Vietnam National University is investigating the long-term impacts of Agent Orange in Vietnam, focusing on collective memory, transgenerational health effects, environmental justice, and ecological change.

The project examines how the legacy of herbicidal warfare during the Vietnam War continues to shape lives more than five decades later. Between 1962 and 1971, extensive aerial spraying of dioxin-contaminated chemical defoliants caused widespread ecological destruction and persistent health consequences, including trans-generational effects associated with dioxin exposure that continue to impact Vietnamese communities today. read more

East Kalimantan, Febuary 8–14, 2026 — Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) continues to be committed to fostering student involvement in research as part of its mission to promote academic excellence and evidence-based policy development. Through its various research initiatives, the center provides students with opportunities to participate directly in fieldwork, data collection, analysis, and research dissemination.

By engaging students in ongoing projects, CESASS seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world research experience. This approach not only enhances students’ research competencies but also equips them with practical skills that are essential for their future academic and professional careers. read more

On 4 July 2025, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) hosted Franklin Obeng-Odoom as a guest lecturer in the 2025 Summer Course on Smart City. Prof. Obeng-Odoom is an internationally recognized political economist whose research focuses on urban development, political economy, inequality, and global social justice, with significant contributions to debates on land, housing, and urban transformation. In his session titled Social-Political Aspects of Smart City, Digital Transformation, and Society in Southeast Asia, he provided critical insights into the governance dimensions of smart city initiatives and their broader implications for society in the region. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) was honored to host Minako Sakai for an academic visit and scholarly discussion. Prof. Sakai is a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of New South Wales and a leading scholar in Southeast Asian studies, particularly known for her research on Islam, gender relations, family law, and social change in Indonesia. With extensive fieldwork experience and numerous publications on Muslim communities and women’s roles in contemporary Indonesia, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of religion and society in the region. The visit offered a valuable platform to exchange research insights, discuss potential collaborations, and further strengthen international academic networks between CESASS UGM and global partners. read more

On 13 August 2024, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada welcomed exchange students from the Netherlands and Germany who are currently studying Geography. The visit introduced the students to PSSAT’s research focus on Southeast Asian social dynamics and interdisciplinary approaches to regional studies. The session provided an interactive forum for discussion, allowing participants to exchange perspectives on geographical and socio-cultural issues while fostering international academic engagement. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) recently welcomed Kristina Garalytė and Gintas Karalius from Vilnius University, Lithuania, for an academic visit aimed at strengthening international collaboration. Prof. Garalytė is known for her work in social and cultural studies with a focus on regional dynamics and comparative perspectives, while Dr. Karalius has contributed to research on political processes and interdisciplinary area studies in Europe and beyond. Their visit created a valuable forum for exchanging research experiences, discussing potential joint projects, and exploring opportunities for sustained cooperation between CESASS UGM and Vilnius University. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) received a visit from students of National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan, who are currently studying at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada. With a strong interest in Indonesian language and culture, the students were eager to learn more about Southeast Asian social dynamics through CESASS’s research and academic activities. The visit provided an engaging platform for dialogue, allowing them to deepen their understanding of Indonesia’s cultural and societal contexts while strengthening academic connections. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) was pleased to host Yuzuru Shimada from University of Tokyo for an academic visit and discussion. Prof. Shimada is a Japanese scholar specializing in Southeast Asian politics and governance, with particular interests in decentralization, local politics, and state–society relations in Indonesia. Through his extensive research, fieldwork, and publications on democratic processes and regional autonomy, he has contributed significantly to the study of contemporary political developments in Southeast Asia. His visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange research perspectives and explore potential avenues for future academic collaboration. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) welcomed Dr. Rattikarn Khambud as a guest lecturer in the Smart City, Digital Transformation and Society Summer Course 2024. Dr. Khambud is a Thai scholar specializing in urban planning, sustainable development, and smart city innovation, with academic and professional experience in infrastructure strategy and built environment management in Southeast Asia. Her research focuses on urban development models, smart building systems, and the integration of digital technologies in city governance. During the program, she delivered a session titled Urban Development and Building Strategy (Smart Building), offering practical and regional insights into how smart infrastructure and planning strategies contribute to sustainable urban transformation. read more