“The Green Transition is hydrosocial, with real impacts in the here and now.” This argument was delivered by Adam Taylor from King’s College London during his presentation at the CESASS Talk Series hosted by the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada on September 22, 2025.

The presentation, titled “Desalination at Indonesia’s industrial frontier: approaches to water scarcity in the Green Transition”, presented the early stages of his PhD research. His fieldwork will commence in 2026. read more

Yogyakarta, September 12, 2025 – Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully hosted the CESASS-CHAT #3 in a hybrid format, held at the Indonesia Room, CESASS UGM. The session featured Jauza Rifa Abdurrafi, a student of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham. Delivering a presentation titled “Talent Migration and Economic Growth in Indonesia: Balancing Brain Drain, Brain Gain, and Institutional Capacity”, Jauza shed light on the realities of Indonesian migration and its significance for the nation’s future development. read more

Information has become a crucial asset in a globalised world order, speed and consistent transmission of information have become vital for a thriving digital economy. To facilitate this global flow of information, subsea communication cables connect every continent in a vast network. Current estimates suggest subsea cables transmit more than 95% of internet traffic, facilitating USD $10 trillion in financial transactions every day in the US financial sector alone (Brock, 2023; Goodman & Wayland, 2022). Additional research has stressed an increased cable manufacturing effort by several nation states, coupled with tense bidding for cable project contracts and the designation of placements, which disrupt the interests of other parties (Noor, 2024, p. 7-8). Arguably, this tense situation opens a new dimension to the ongoing security dilemma between regional superpowers in Southeast Asia, with uncertain and perhaps harmful outcomes. The fragility of these cables with their vital communication and electricity transmission capacity, will leave them as exposed desirable targets in conflict scenarios. I will additionally analyse two factors to consider from a global competition context: market driven interests and state driven interests. read more

CESSAS Talk #5 hosted Dr. Tufan Kutay Boran from the University of Ankara, Turkey.

Dr Boran explores the role of Islamic political parties and Islamic organizations in the foreign policy-making process in Indonesia. He shared his investigation on when and under what conditions the Islamic political parties—established following Indonesia’s democratization—and Islamic organizations, which have gained greater access to political platforms, have become actively involved in foreign policy matters. For the purposes of this study, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah were selected as representative Islamic organizations, while PAN (National Mandate Party), PKB (National Awakening Party), and PKS (Prosperous Justice Party) were chosen as representative Islamic political parties. The findings indicate that the involvement of these actors in foreign policy, whether the issue is ideological or not, is closely linked to the dynamics of the pre- and post-democratization periods in Indonesia. read more

A presentation focusing on the intricacy and geopolitical importance of underwater sea cables in Southeast Asia was conducted on May 19, 2025 at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CESASS) UGM. The presentation was conducted by Cameron Regan, an International Relations student at the University of Queensland.

Recent events regarding underwater cable malfunctions in areas such as the South China Sea and Java Sea inspired the presentation’s research focus. Specifically, the political and economic impact of these malfunctions in the Southeast Asian and Indo-Pacific spheres of influence. Underwater fibre optic cable systems provide approximately 95% of the worlds’ internet connectivity, ensuring split-second speed of financial transactions and a functional digital economy worth immeasurable value. This means those states which manufacture and regulate these cables in international waters can manipulate encrypted global communication networks.  read more

On May 19, 2025, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) UGM hosted a presentation by Zoe Pearce, an Asian Studies student at the University of Western Australia. The presentation covered the topic of sustainable energy transition in Indonesia, with the help of Australian Aid programs.

Zoe explored the relationship the two countries have, with Australia and Indonesia being neighbours and close allies, Indonesia’s current plans for a sustainable energy transition, the countries challenge in meeting current goals, and finally initiatives and government programs where Australia and Indonesia are working together to achieve these sustainable energy transition. The presentation outlined the current Australian government program KINETIK, which is being employed in Indonesia to help foster solutions and promote a sustainable energy transition in Indonesia. 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 Thursday, the 27th of June, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) held a welcoming meeting for internship students from National ChengChi University (NCCU), Taiwan. The three foreign students: Suthasinee Huang, Chou, Chen-An, and Wang, Yi-Ching will participate in an internship program at CESASS aimed at gaining substantive experience by building networks with Southeast Asia social studies researchers and experts for the period from the end of June to the end of July. read more

A presentation about the unique architectural feature of Singapore was conducted last Wednesday, April 25 at the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies. The presentation was led by two CESASS interns, Rizky Demas Arjunanda and Mellyana Nungki Pramitha.

The presentation explored the history, significance, and evolution of Void Decks in the Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats of Singapore. These open spaces, typically located on the ground floor of HDB blocks, have served as communal areas for residents, fostering a sense of community and facilitating various activities. Initially designed to improve ventilation and prevent floods, these spaces have evolved over time to become quintessential spaces for bonding between neighbors. read more