On Thursday, July 20, 2023, a cooperation contract was signed between BKPSDM Balikpapan City and CESASS UGM. The signing ceremony was attended by the Head of Personnel and Human Resource Development Agency of Balikpapan City, Purnomo M., S.Sos., M.M., along with department heads, staff members, and team leaders of each project.

The principal agreement documents/contract documents include:

1. “Procurement of Preparation of Studies Related to the Readiness of Implementation of Talent Management and HR Management in the Balikpapan City Government” led by Dr. Ratminto, M.Pol. Admin.
2. “Procurement of Preparation of Technical Guidelines for Civil Servant Achievement Assessment in the Balikpapan City Government” led by Dr. Ambar Teguh Sulistiyani, M.Sc.
3. “Procurement of Compilation of Competency Gap Analysis and Qualifications of Employees and their Follow-Up Plans” led by Prof. Dr. Wahyudi Kumorotomo, M.P.P.
4. “Procurement of the Preparation of Career Patterns for Civil Servants in the Balikpapan City Government” led by Dr. Bagus Riyono, M.A.
5. “Procurement of Preparation of Studies Related to Preparation of Plans for Mid-Term Employee Requirements Based on Type of Position in the Balikpapan City Government” led by Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T.

The discussion sessions between participants from BKPSDM Balikpapan City and each of the team leaders went lively. The end goal of the collaborative efforts is to improve the overall employee performance and human resource management in Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan. read more

On Monday, the 17th of July, the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held opening sessions for the SEA-Gate program of Tamkang University, Taiwan. Prof. Jian Bang-Deng and Dr. Chiu Chun-Ta (teachers) and eight students: Liao Chia-Yu, Chao Wei Chu, Peng Guan Lin, Ciou Shan Rou, Hsieh Ting He, Hsiao Ching An, Wu Yai Ting, and Liu Yu An, participate in the SEA-Gate program at CESASS to learn Southeast Asian studies and  Indonesian culture and language in particular. read more

On the 17th of July, the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies conducted the first CESASS Talk Series with the topic of Urban Future Development in Southeast Asia. The online event was conducted through Zoom with over 40 participants in attendance. The event featured four speakers: the Director of CESASS UGM, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., CESASS Researcher, Dr. Arif Akhyat, M.A., Secretary of Asian Urban Research Association, Shippensburg University, Pennsylvania, Prof. George Pomeroy, Ph.D., AICP, and Senior Lecturer at Vietnamese-German University and Organizing Team of 16th Asian Urban Conference, Dr. Le Thi Thu Huong. The session was moderated by CESASS Researcher, Drs. Muhadi Sugiono., M.A. read more

[Yogyakarta, July 11^th 2023] – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia held the opening of the MMAT 2023 Summer Course Program on “Southeast Asia in the Dynamic of Indo-Pacific”. The event is supported by the Office of International Affairs (OIA) UGM and the Department of Education and Future Design, Tamkang University, Taiwan.

This year MMAT 2023 Summer Course Program is a premier educational platform designed to foster knowledge exchange and promote deeper understanding of the geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia. The school brings together prominent lecturers and researchers from around the globe, providing a unique opportunity for participants to engage with experts in the field and gain valuable insights into the region’s challenges and opportunities. read more

On Monday (10/07/2023), Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) welcomed 24 students from National Cheng Chi University (NCCU), Taiwan, as well as opened Southeast Asian Culture and Language Training Program (SEA-GATE) 2023.

On behalf of CESASS director Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, M.A. welcomed and officially opened NCCU SEA-GATE Program 2023 (10—24 July 2023). “In Indonesia, you can talk to everyone, they will love it, especially when they meet foreigners who can speak Indonesian. Please use this opportunity to improve your cultural understanding about Indonesia as well as your language skills”, he said. read more

On Tuesday (30/05), the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies (CESASS) UGM hosted Filipino international relations student, Shynna Nor M. Siawan, in the Country In Focus. CIF is a discussion to get to know Southeast Asian countries from a native perspective. Shynna shared her story about the background and culture of the Philippines in front of the college students.

On the second floor of the PSSAT building, Syhnna opened her presentation by introducing the geographical location of the Philippines. Like Indonesia, the Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago. There are 7,600 islands so there are many beach attractions worth visiting. Syhnna recommended El Nido and Puerto Pricesa in Palawan Province. If you prefer mountain views, she recommended Mayon Volcano and Chocolate Hills. read more

Last Friday (26/05), Centre for Southeast Asian Studies (CESASS) UGM organised Country In Focus, a discussion agenda to get to know Southeast Asian countries from the natives. In this session, Thoon Nadi Lynn, an international communication student from Myanmar, introduced the beauty of Myanmar’s culture and history. Prof. Dr Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T. as the Head of CESASS  was also present to give a speech on 2nd floor of CESASS building. 

Geographically, Myanmar is located in the west of Southeast Asia. Most of its citizens are Buddhist so there are many Pagodas and Viharas. In his presentation, Thoon also introduced popular tourist attractions in Myanmar, such as the heart-shaped lake Rih Lake, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia Hkakabo Razi, the beautiful white sandy beach Ngapali Beach, and the historic palace Mandalay Palace.  read more

On Wednesday (24/05), Center for Southeast Asia Social Studies (CESASS) UGM welcomed students from Kajian Organisasi Internasional (KOIN), Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta. The 15 students were welcomed by Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati as the Director of CESASS. 

The purpose of this visit is to know the profile of PSSAT, forms of cooperation, as well as challenges and obstacles while working in the field of research. In addition, students also learnt the process of social studies and the variety of research produced by PSSAT.  read more

On Monday, October 31st, 2022, the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held a welcoming meeting for Thomas Bartley, a student intern from the University of Adelaide, Australia. Thomas will participate in the internship program at CESASS from November to the end of December to gain experience in research and build networks with Southeast Asia social studies researchers and experts in CESASS.

The meeting started with a brief introduction led by Rizki Dwi Wibawa, CESASS Cooperation Staff, who greeted the intern and explained the research activities and work of the Center, as well as the opportunities provided by the internship. An introduction to fellow student interns and other members of the Center was conducted afterward. They shared their cultural background and exchanged views about their research interests. read more