Yogyakarta, November 14, 2025 — Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM), welcomed representatives from the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) for a coordination meeting to review the ongoing internship program hosted under the CESASS Internship Program.

This semester, three ACICIS students are undertaking their internship at CESASS through the Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP). As the internship reached its halfway point, the meeting served as an opportunity for both institutions to review the students’ activities, evaluate their progress, identify challenges, and discuss areas for improvement. read more

Yogyakarta, July 10, 2025 — Smart City, Digital Transformation, and Society in Southeast Asia Summer Course Program 2025, organized by the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM), was officially concluded. The closing ceremony took place in a hybrid format, held both online via Zoom and on-site at Indonesia Room, 2nd Floor, Pusat Antar Universitas (PAU) Building, UGM.

This closing ceremony marked the end of a 15-day program that welcomed 73 participants from 17 countries, who engaged in lectures, discussions, and fieldwork focusing on the intersection of digital innovation and urban development in Southeast Asia. read more

On 4 July 2025, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) hosted Franklin Obeng-Odoom as a guest lecturer in the 2025 Summer Course on Smart City. Prof. Obeng-Odoom is an internationally recognized political economist whose research focuses on urban development, political economy, inequality, and global social justice, with significant contributions to debates on land, housing, and urban transformation. In his session titled Social-Political Aspects of Smart City, Digital Transformation, and Society in Southeast Asia, he provided critical insights into the governance dimensions of smart city initiatives and their broader implications for society in the region. read more

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – 10th September 2024: The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, with support from the ASEAN Secretariat, hosted the second day of the event with an excursion aimed at introducing participants, including students and experts, to Yogyakarta’s World Heritage sites. The day’s itinerary featured a walk along the Philosophical Axis, which stretches from the Golong-Gilig Monument (Tugu) to the 0km monument. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) was honored to host Minako Sakai for an academic visit and scholarly discussion. Prof. Sakai is a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of New South Wales and a leading scholar in Southeast Asian studies, particularly known for her research on Islam, gender relations, family law, and social change in Indonesia. With extensive fieldwork experience and numerous publications on Muslim communities and women’s roles in contemporary Indonesia, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of religion and society in the region. The visit offered a valuable platform to exchange research insights, discuss potential collaborations, and further strengthen international academic networks between CESASS UGM and global partners. read more

On 13 August 2024, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada welcomed exchange students from the Netherlands and Germany who are currently studying Geography. The visit introduced the students to PSSAT’s research focus on Southeast Asian social dynamics and interdisciplinary approaches to regional studies. The session provided an interactive forum for discussion, allowing participants to exchange perspectives on geographical and socio-cultural issues while fostering international academic engagement. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) recently welcomed Kristina Garalytė and Gintas Karalius from Vilnius University, Lithuania, for an academic visit aimed at strengthening international collaboration. Prof. Garalytė is known for her work in social and cultural studies with a focus on regional dynamics and comparative perspectives, while Dr. Karalius has contributed to research on political processes and interdisciplinary area studies in Europe and beyond. Their visit created a valuable forum for exchanging research experiences, discussing potential joint projects, and exploring opportunities for sustained cooperation between CESASS UGM and Vilnius University. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) received a visit from students of National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan, who are currently studying at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada. With a strong interest in Indonesian language and culture, the students were eager to learn more about Southeast Asian social dynamics through CESASS’s research and academic activities. The visit provided an engaging platform for dialogue, allowing them to deepen their understanding of Indonesia’s cultural and societal contexts while strengthening academic connections. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) was pleased to host Yuzuru Shimada from University of Tokyo for an academic visit and discussion. Prof. Shimada is a Japanese scholar specializing in Southeast Asian politics and governance, with particular interests in decentralization, local politics, and state–society relations in Indonesia. Through his extensive research, fieldwork, and publications on democratic processes and regional autonomy, he has contributed significantly to the study of contemporary political developments in Southeast Asia. His visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange research perspectives and explore potential avenues for future academic collaboration. 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