On September 12, 2025, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS 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

Yogyakarta, June 3, 2025 — CESASS Talk Series #5 was held online, featuring Dr. Tufan Kutay Boran from the Department of Area Studies, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Türkiye, who delivered a presentation on “How Indonesian Political Parties and Islamic Organizations Influence Foreign Policy Making”. The session was moderated by Dr. phil. Vissia Ita Yulianto, guiding the discussion and Q&A with participants from diverse academic backgrounds, including international young scholars. read more

Yogyakarta, May 19, 2025 — A presentation focusing on the intricacy and geopolitical importance of underwater sea cables in Southeast Asia was conducted at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (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

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