Yogyakarta, Indonesia – 8th September 2024: Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held the ASEAN Plus Three event, bring together delegates from 11 plus three (10 member states, 1 observers plus China, Japan and South Korea) countries to discuss and strengthen regional ties among member states.

Opening ceremony was presented with Javanese dances, Gambyong Tari Anom, Golek Manis, and Double Banyumasan, performed by the UKJGS (Unit Kesenian Jawa Gaya Surakarta), a dance club from Faculty of Cultural Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada. These performances highlighted Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and set an immersive atmosphere for the event. read more

The Head of the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (PSSAT) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., attended the 35th International Geographical Congress (IGC) 2024, held on August 24-30, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland.

During the event, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., had the opportunity to present on Navigating Diversity: Smart City Initiatives in Indonesia at the Commission of Governance: Smart City, Neighbourhood Change, and Spatial Inequality. She also participated in sessions at the Urban Commission and the Information, Innovation, and Technology Commission. Additionally, she had the opportunity to meet with several colleagues, including Prof. Frauke Kraas from the University of Cologne and Prof. Liliana Dumitrache from the University of Bucharest, as well as other colleagues. read more

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held its annual Summer Course, “Meneliti dan Mengajar Asia Tenggara” (MMAT) 2024. This year’s theme, “Social Transformation in Contemporary Southeast Asia,” underscores the program’s commitment to addressing critical social dimensions in Southeast Asia aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education, as well as goals 5 through 17. read more

Yogyakarta, 21 August 2024 – Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) successfully conducted a Technology-Based Community Service Program as part of the 2024 fiscal year initiatives, under the theme “Penguatan UMKM melalui Digital Branding, Digital Marketing, dan Literasi Digital Masyarakat untuk Menunjang Pola Wisata Pergi-Pulang Sehari (Excursionist) dan MICE (Meeting-Incentive-Convention-Exhibition) di Kalurahan Sidoarum” The program was organized by the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM), with support from Directorate of Community Service Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Faculty of Geography UGM, and the Sidoarum Village government. read more

As part of the Indonesia Research Collaboration, a team led by Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., alongside team members Prof. Ir. Dana Indra Sensuse, M.LIS., Ph.D. (Universitas Indonesia); Dr. techn. Wikan Danar Sunindyo, S.T., M.Sc. (Institut Teknologi Bandung); Assoc. Prof. TPR Dr. Khoo Suet Leng (Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia); and CESASS staff member Nurina Aulia Haris, M.A., and research assistant Amandita Ainur Rohmah, M.Sc., conducted data collection activities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 5-6, 2024. The research theme is “Creative, Innovative, and Smart Sustainable City Concept for Capital City.” read more

Yogyakarta, July 17th, 2024 – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM), Indonesia, proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 2024 Summer Course Program on “Smart City, Digital Transformation, and Society in Southeast Asia.” The event, supported by the Direktorat Kemitraan dan Relasi Global (DKRG) UGM, has been a premier educational platform fostering knowledge exchange and multidisciplinary collaboration to address the region’s unique challenges and opportunities. read more

The inaugural CESASS-CHAT, titled “Southeast Asian Policy in Taiwan,” was successfully held on July 12th, 2024. The event featured esteemed speakers Chen An Chou, Suthasinee Huang, and Yi Ching Wang, who provided in-depth insights into Taiwan’s Southeast Asian policy.

This first session of the CESASS-CHAT series attracted a diverse audience, including academics, students, and members of the public interested in Southeast Asian affairs and Taiwan’s foreign policy. The event offered a platform for discussing Taiwan’s strategic engagements with Southeast Asian countries, focusing on southern policy, new southbound policy, and implementation measures.  read more

Sharing Session: “Ayo! Belajar Mandarin”, held on July 5th, 10th, and 15th, 2024, was a resounding success. Featuring distinguished Chen An Chou, Suthasinee Huang, and Yi Ching Wang, international students from National Chengchi University, these events provided a unique and enriching learning experience for all attendees.

Over three days, participants from various backgrounds gathered to engage in interactive activities, gain valuable language skills, and immerse themselves in Mandarin culture. The sessions covered fundamental language skills, cultural insights, and practical tips, making learning Mandarin both fun and accessible. read more

On 28 June 2024, Head of Centre for Southeast Asian Social Studies UGM, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., was a speaker at the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) Program in Indonesia, a collaboration between UGM, ACICIS (The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies), and Monash University. In this event, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T. presented ‘Urban Development’.

Photo by: UGM Organiser

[Yogyakarta, July 9th, 2024] – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM), Indonesia held a roundtable discussion on “the Interplay of Smart Cities, Social Transformation, and Identity Politics in Southeast Asia”.

The swift advancement of technology and its incorporation into urban settings have converted cities into smart cities, targeting improved efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life. At the same time, Southeast Asia is undergoing substantial social changes driven by global shifts, cross-border movements, and an increasing emphasis on regional identity, especially within the context of ASEAN’s vision of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.” This theme seeks to delve into the intricate interactions between these factors, offering a thorough understanding of how smart cities, social transformation, and identity politics converge and influence the future of Southeast Asia. read more