Yogyakarta, March 17, 2026 — Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is reinforcing the strategic role of its research centers in advancing the university’s Tridharma—education, research, and community service—by strengthening their contributions to regional and global studies.
This commitment was highlighted by Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, during a recent visit to the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) and the Center for Policy Studies and Development (PSPD), two of UGM’s 23 research centers focusing on regional studies.
Wawan Mas’udi, S.IP., MPA, Ph.D., currently serving as CESASS caretaker, emphasized that regional studies remain as important as ever, particularly in navigating the dynamics of a changing political and global order. He noted that such studies play a strategic role not only at the regional level but also in shaping broader global perspectives.
The meeting was attended by key proponents of Southeast Asian Studies (SEAS), including Prof. Drs. Bambang Purwanto, MA, Ph.D., who underscored the importance of adopting multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary approaches in conducting area studies. According to him, these perspectives are essential to addressing increasingly complex regional challenges.
Prof. Dr. Phil. Hermin Indah Wahyuni, S.IP., M.Si., a member of the Academic Senate and former Director of CESASS (2016–2022), highlighted the need for the center to operate within its mandate as a center of excellence. She emphasized strengthening research quality, expanding international networks, and ensuring that academic outputs contribute meaningfully to both policy and society.
Dr. Abdul Wahid, M.Hum., M.Phil., a historian and member of the Board of Trustees of the Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program (SEASREP), emphasized the importance of strengthening regional dialogue as a cornerstone for advancing knowledge and cross-border collaboration.
From CESASS, Dr. phil. Vissia Ita Yulianto pointed out the center’s timely and central role in supporting UGM’s internationalization agenda. She stressed that CESASS has strong international networks and is well positioned to facilitate global engagement through its focus on Southeast Asian social issues.
Highlighting that the Center for International Trade (PSPD) is part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) network, Dr. Maharani Hapsari, Director of the center, emphasized the intersectional nature of regional studies, which opens up broad opportunities for cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Randy Wirasta Nandyatama, SIP, M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Department of International Relations expressed support for CESASS’s role in promoting human rights through education, research, and advocacy, underscoring the broader societal impact of regional studies.
Concluding the meeting, Prof. Dr. Poppy Sulistyaning Winanti, S.IP., MPP, M.Sc. emphasized the need for stronger institutional support so that regional studies initiatives can further expand and multiply their contributions to the university’s strategic agenda.
It is also noteworthy that CESASS has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Social Sciences since 2017, further affirming its strategic role within UGM’s research ecosystem.
Through these efforts, UGM reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the impact of its research centers in addressing regional and global challenges while contributing to the advancement of knowledge and society.
Reporter: CESASS Team