Yogyakarta, May 19, 2025 — Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (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 this 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

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Luzinha Faria Faculto de Jesus, an International Relations student and an intern at PSSAT UGM, delivered an engaging presentation about the history and characteristics of Timor-Leste. Luly began the presentation with an enthusiastic overview of Timor-Leste’s history, covering periods of Portuguese, Japanese, and Indonesian colonization, leading up to the country’s official declaration of independence on May 20, 2002. Luly also detailed Timor-Leste’s geographical location and tropical climate, characterized by mountains and coastlines. She shared a local legend about the island’s origin, involving a crocodile that transformed into land to provide a home for a boy who had saved it. read more

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Sabrina Joy S. Tan, a postgraduate student at Universitas Gadjah Mada and an intern at CESASS UGM from the Philippines, led a sharing session to introduce her country to fellow interns. Sabrina began her presentation with an intriguing fact that might surprise those unfamiliar with the Philippines: the country consists of 82 provinces, more than Indonesia. Additionally, she highlighted a unique feature of the Philippine flag: during times of war, the red stripe is displayed on top, whereas during peace, the blue stripe is on top. read more

Introduction

Film, as a source of entertainment and escapism, has played a crucial role throughout history. It serves beyond mere enjoyment, aiding in reconciling with the past, preserving traditions, and expressing national identity. During the twentieth century, the introduction of film in Southeast Asia varied across countries, primarily through colonial contact driven by various European powers, which significantly impacted the film industry. It has brought the introduction of technology to Southeast Asia, which marked the inception of a local film industry. Films began to incorporate local languages, music, settings, and actors, gradually gaining popularity among the local audience (Ang, 2021).  Despite initial developments, certain countries experienced downfall periods that erased progress. Cambodia, notably affected by the painful political history of the Khmer Rouge invasion, faced considerable challenges, including the film business. read more

Dr. phil. Vissia Ita Yulianto (Head of Program and Publication of CESASS UGM) taught an academic writing workshop as part of the internship activities from October to December 2023.

The first lesson was held in the second week of November and focused on how to write academic articles using scientific principles such as reliable publications and valid sources.
The second class, held in the third week of November, covered qualitative research methods, with an emphasis on methodology and data collection. read more

Southeast Asia is a region developing and expanding fast in terms of population, importance, and interconnectedness. While the future beckons promisingly for the continued success of the region, potential backsliding into instability threatens to change this trajectory. Non-traditional aspects of security now take the forefront of issues threatening this backsliding. While changes in the balance of power between Southeast Asian nations or the efficacy of institutions remain integral to the region’s future, threats like a warming and unpredictable climate or breaches in cyber-security now have the potential to drastically change the state of security in the region.  read more