Research projects and media engagement
The following research, publications, media coverage, events and podcasts are work on Indonesia undertaken by Herb Feith Centre team members.
Research Projects
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Koneksi - Climate Resilience in Eastern Indonesia
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Koneksi Project: Developing a Model of Future-proofing for Climate Resilience by Engaging Communities (MoFCREC)
Eastern Indonesia is a priority area for climate change intervention due to risks of extreme climate-related natural disasters; and Lombok, Makassar and Sumbawa are at high risk of experiencing increased extreme rainfall events such as flooding and drought. Rainfall changes have numerous associated knock-on impacts for vulnerable communities. This project will bring together an interdisciplinary team to develop a scalable Climate Change Resilience Toolkit.
Read the latest updates
Read about the final workshop that was held in Bali.
Find out about the final stakeholder workshops, Koneksi visits and strong media amplification of the early findings.
Find out about data analysis in Makassar, consultations in Lombok and DFAT recognition of the project's commitment to equitable partnerships in Kupang:
“This project, supported by KONEKSI, exemplifies a commitment to equitable partnerships and community-driven solutions in addressing climate challenges”. DFAT Media release
Read about the Lombok's geography and the nature of initial discussions with different grassroots groups as the project starts to take shape
Discover more about the initial workshops in Jakarta and Makassar as the project launches in Indonesia.
Background
Climate change effects are unevenly distributed throughout communities based on socio-structural factors. Exposure to the effects of both heat and flooding increases the likelihood of illness and care-related responsibilities, reduces access to clean water and high-quality foods, and influences the type and availability of work among already marginalised groups. The three groups identified as the most vulnerable to climate change - who will be the focus of this project - are people with disabilities, women (including all who identify as women) and older people.
Overview
This project, jointly led by Assoc Professors Sharyn Davies and Ika Idris, will establish an interdisciplinary team to identify knowledge-based climate change resilience solutions for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies. Deep and enduring relationships will underpin the research, and will direct and inform the outcomes of the project.
A co-designed model to understanding gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and climate resilience will be developed by exploring local understandings of, and capacity around, strengthening climate resilience, with a focus on health, wellbeing, and future-proofing communities and environments.
Through collaboration with a range of stakeholders and communities in Indonesia and Australia, the project seeks to equip policy and change-makers with tools to enhance their understandings of GEDSI, resilience and climate change through a human rights lens to identify and understand opportunities for intervention.
The project aims to grow early skills and capacity of early career researchers and Indonesian Postdocs to drive innovative research agendas on climate resilience in Indonesia along with the establishment of a collaborative interdisciplinary research team to address climate resilience in Indonesia and Australia. Outputs will be co-designed with a view to scalability and applicability to other parts of Indonesia.
Outputs
A resource tool kit and the Model of Future-proofing for Climate Resilience by Engaging Communities (MoFCREC) will be developed to support climate resilience and future-proofing environments for vulnerable communities. The team will convene workshops to identify key priorities and set a locally-informed research agenda, and later in the project to disseminate preliminary findings and identify key community messages.
The outcomes will be shared via International conference presentations, peer-reviewed academic articles and accessible reports, along with public communication material, government briefs and a strategic action plan for future work on GEDSI and climate resilience.
Outcomes
Through the establishment of an enduring interdisciplinary, innovative research network, to include policy makers, academics and practitioners, communities and local groups, a joint agenda for strengthening climate resilience opportunities and solutions will be developed and made widely available.
This project will provide capacity-building opportunities for early career scholars and other future thought leaders in the area of climate change and community resilience. Development of reports and policy briefs will also equip policy and change-makers with understandings of GEDSI, resilience and climate change.
Links to the digital Toolkit will be published here.
The Model of Future-proofing for Climate Resilience by Engaging Communities (MoFCREC) project, which was one of 30 projects selected from a field of over 700 applications, is funded for 12 months.
Partners
- Monash University, Australia; and Monash University, Indonesia
- Hasanuddin University (Indonesia)
- The South Sulawesi Women’s Legal Aid Institute (Indonesia)
LBH APIK Sulsel - The Indonesian Disability Movement for Equality (Indonesia)
Pergerakan Difabel Indonesia untuk Kesetaraan - Indonesian Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (Indonesia)
KemenPPPA - DP3AP2KB of Nusa Tenggara Barat Province (Indonesia)
- Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Nusa Tenggara Barat Province (Indonesia)
- Garamin (Indonesia)
- Australia-Indonesia Centre (Australia)
- ReelOzInd (Australia)
- 360Info (Australia)
External Advisor
- The National Commission on Violence Against Women
Komnas Perempuan
Acknowledgement
The Developing a Model of Future-proofing for Climate Resilience by Engaging Communities (MoFCREC) project is supported by the Australian and Indonesian Governments through KONEKSI and implemented by Monash University with Monash University, Indonesia.
This project has been funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia through KONEKSI. The views expressed are the authors’ alone and are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government.
Islamic Bureaucracies and Pious Publics in Turkey and Indonesia
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Islamic Bureaucracies and Pious Publics in Turkey and Indonesia
Researchers:
Julian Millie, Monash Indonesian Studies, Herb Feith Centre
Banu Senay, Macquarie University
Lian Choon Wang, Monash Business School
Everyday Islamic practices in Turkey and Indonesia are increasingly being influenced by Islamic bureaucracies, namely the Indonesian Ministry of Religion and Turkey’s Diyanet. This project, funded by the Australian Research Council, compares the two bureaucracies of these two large Islamic democracies, and asks whether they together constitute a global, state-based, political move towards bureaucratisation.
These institutions have been growing over recent decades, and have influences of various kinds, although these differ in the two countries. In Indonesia, for example, the Ministry’s main effort is directed to education. The Diyanet has extensive programs for providing Islamic officials for communities outside Turkey. Of course, both bureaucracies have political effects, giving approval and resources to some communities and variants, while marginalising others.
Joining Julian and Banu in this research is economist Liang Choon Wang, from the Monash Business School, who applies his expertise to the budgetary aspects of the two bureaucracies.
The team held a recent meeting at Monash Malaysia, where collaborating scholars from a number of universities attended: Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati; Universitas Indonesia; Utrecht University; Free University of Amsterdam; Zurich University.
Left to right: Rus’an Nurdin, Banu Senay, Liang Choon Wang, Julian Millie, Dominik Mueller, Martin van Bruinessen, Moch. Fakhruroji, Thijl Sunier, Maznah Mohammad, Dede Syarif, Chris Houston.
Photo by Julian Millie.
Bridging Vulnerabilities: A Comparative Study on Transit Refugee Women
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Bridging Vulnerabilities: A Comparative Study on Transit Refugee Women and Domestic Care Worker Women in Indonesia
Researchers
Dr Sabina Puspita, Herb Feith Centre, Monash University Indonesia
Dr Gabriela Fernando, Monash University, Indonesia
Anak Agung Istri Diah Tricesaria, Herb Feith PhD candidate, Monash University, Australia
Dr Jessica Watterson, Action Lab, Momnash University Australia
Overview
This year-long research project focuses on two of the most vulnerable groups in Indonesia - domestic care worker women and transit refugee women. The millions of domestic care worker women and thousands of transit refugee women in Indonesia may differ in their citizenship status, but the majority of both groups are susceptible to violence, trafficking, poverty, and poor health conditions.
Through a comparative approach, this project aims to identify the similarities and differences between the two groups, and make recommendations that can address their economic wellbeing and resilience. It also aims to promote better health outcomes for these groups and the communities that interact with them.
Outcomes
Since its inception in 25 August 2023 to date, Sabina and Gabriela have published an article on Indonesian domestic workers' struggle for better legal protection to raise public awareness of the issue during International Women's Day on 8 March 2024 (360info.org). The article has been republished by multiple news media online (Eco-Business; EastMojo; Press Trust of India; Ova). Sabina was also quoted by Indonesia's major news media company during a press conference for Indonesia's Bill on Protection of Domestic Workers (Kompas).
Funder
Monash University Indonesia Seed Funding and Action Lab, Monash University, Australia
Australia Awards: Climate Resilience Fellowship Program
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Herb Feith Centre is awarded the delivery of an Australia Awards in Indonesia program in 2025.
Project team
Led by Sharyn Davies, and supported by Miya Irawati, Welmince Djulete and Yulisna Sari Mutia.
Overview
Eastern Indonesia is a priority area for climate change intervention for the Indonesian and Australian governments due to the risks of extreme climate-related natural disasters (DFAT, 2020; Katalis, 2022). This project builds on our Australian and Indonesian government-funded KONEKSI project.
The Climate Resilience Fellowship program will fund six fellows from Eastern Indonesia to visit Australia for a three week period in May - June, 2025, with activities in and around Melbourne. These activities and outputs will play a crucial role in addressing climate change resilience through an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach with GEDSI focus:
Program activities
- Capacity Building and Training,
- A two-day panel discussion;
- Networking and collaboration by connecting with Climate Change Communication Research Hub at Monash
University in Australia; - Community Engagement by study tours to learn best practices from indigenous communities in Australia;
- Advocacy and Communication by developing an advocacy plan and educational material for public awareness campaigns and advocacy.
Outcomes
Outcomes of the program include
- The creation of a sustainable network comprising policymakers and local partners dedicated to enhancing climate resilience;
- Capacity-building opportunities for policymakers and local partners to become champions in climate change resilience;
- The development of policy briefs, toolkits, and educational materials for digital awareness campaigns, equipping fellows with knowledge of climate change resilience.
Funder
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Australia Awards, Indonesia
Online Community Assistance Ecosystem to Aid Disabled Stroke Survivors
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Digital Care Frontier: Empowering Women, Enhancing Digital Strategy of Stunting Prevention
This ground breaking project aims to explore and enhance the Indonesian government's digital strategy for stunting prevention by focusing on women’s empowerment and social inclusion. The research, conducted in Padang, (Sumatara), Grobogan (Java), and Manggarai (Flores Islands), will evaluate the effectiveness of stunting-prevention apps like AyoCeting and ATASI, and their impact on women and marginalized communities.
By engaging caregivers, care workers, and health cadres, the project seeks to understand the challenges these groups face in using digital technologies for childcare. The goal is to make these technologies more accessible and empowering for women, families with disabilities, low-income households, and those with limited literacy.
This project represents a critical step towards more inclusive and effective digital health interventions, fostering sustainable policies and technologies that empower women and marginalized communities in Indonesia and beyond.
Methodology
Fieldwork: Comparative studies in Padang, Grobogan, and Manggarai.
Data Collection: Surveys, visual recordings, and UI/UX ethnographic research.
Stakeholder Engagement: Focus groups and interviews with app developers, government officials, and hard-to-reach communities.
Anticipated Outputs:
Evidence to inform policy and improve digital stunting-prevention tools.
Reports, academic articles, op-eds, films, campaigns, exhibitions, and seminars to raise awareness.
Collaboration with Yayasan Kesehatan Perempuan for policy advocacy.
Impact
Shifting the perspective on digitalization from a mere e-government tool to an empowerment catalyst.
Providing actionable insights for digital health strategies beyond Indonesia.
Resources and Budget
24-month project with a well-calibrated budget, leveraging expertise, connections, and resources from partnering organizations.
Significant budget allocation for empowering women and marginalized groups, conducting capacity-building activities, and ensuring effective research dissemination.
Partnerships
Led by the Center for Gender and Sexuality Studies, Universitas Indonesia, and Sharyn Davies from Monash University.
Collaboration with Yayasan Kesehatan Perempuan and other local and international NGOs, ensuring extensive stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
Funder
This project is funded by Koneksi, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Koneksi: Digital Care Frontier: Enhancing Digital Strategy of Stunting Prevent
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Digital Care Frontier: Empowering Women, Enhancing Digital Strategy of Stunting Prevention
This ground breaking project aims to explore and enhance the Indonesian government's digital strategy for stunting prevention by focusing on women’s empowerment and social inclusion. The research, conducted in Padang, (Sumatara), Grobogan (Java), and Manggarai (Flores Islands), will evaluate the effectiveness of stunting-prevention apps like AyoCeting and ATASI, and their impact on women and marginalized communities.
By engaging caregivers, care workers, and health cadres, the project seeks to understand the challenges these groups face in using digital technologies for childcare. The goal is to make these technologies more accessible and empowering for women, families with disabilities, low-income households, and those with limited literacy.
This project represents a critical step towards more inclusive and effective digital health interventions, fostering sustainable policies and technologies that empower women and marginalized communities in Indonesia and beyond.
Methodology
Fieldwork: Comparative studies in Padang, Grobogan, and Manggarai.
Data Collection: Surveys, visual recordings, and UI/UX ethnographic research.
Stakeholder Engagement: Focus groups and interviews with app developers, government officials, and hard-to-reach communities.
Anticipated Outputs:
Evidence to inform policy and improve digital stunting-prevention tools.
Reports, academic articles, op-eds, films, campaigns, exhibitions, and seminars to raise awareness.
Collaboration with Yayasan Kesehatan Perempuan for policy advocacy.
Impact
Shifting the perspective on digitalization from a mere e-government tool to an empowerment catalyst.
Providing actionable insights for digital health strategies beyond Indonesia.
Resources and Budget
24-month project with a well-calibrated budget, leveraging expertise, connections, and resources from partnering organizations.
Significant budget allocation for empowering women and marginalized groups, conducting capacity-building activities, and ensuring effective research dissemination.
Partnerships
Led by the Center for Gender and Sexuality Studies, Universitas Indonesia, and Sharyn Davies from Monash University.
Collaboration with Yayasan Kesehatan Perempuan and other local and international NGOs, ensuring extensive stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
Funder
This project is funded by Koneksi, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Academic publications
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2024
Journal articles
Dwifatma, A. and Beta, A. R. (2024) ‘‘Cadar Garis Lucu’ and the mediated political subjectivity of Muslim women in Indonesia’, Asian Journal of Communication, pp. 1–14. doi: 10.1080/01292986.2024.2320900
Wijaya, T., & Sinclair, L. (2024). An EV-fix for Indonesia: the green development-resource nationalist nexus. Environmental Politics, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2024.2332129
2023
Books
2023. Millie, Julian (ed.), ‘The ‘Crossed-Out God’ in the Asia-Pacific: Religious Efficacy of Public Spheres. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan.
Chapters
2023. Dwifatma, Andina, ‘YouTube Islamic Web Series and the Mediatized Piety Amongst Urban Muslims in Indonesia, In Norshahril Saat, A’an Suryana and Mohd Faizal Musa (eds), Trending Islam: Cases from Southeast Asia. ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
2023. Asep Saeful Muhtadi, ‘Habermas and Traditionalist Muslim Reflexivity in Indonesia’, in Julian Millie (ed.), The ‘Crossed-Out God’ in the Asia-Pacific: Religious Efficacy of Public Spheres, pp. 89-110. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan.
2023. Millie, Julian, ‘An Islamic Paratheater: Ritual Embodiment of Saintly Narratives’, in Majid Daneshgar and Ervan Nurtawab (eds), Malay-Indonesian Islamic Studies: A Festschrift in Honor of Peter G. Riddell, pp. 349-365. (Texts and Studies on the Qurʾān, vol. 20.) Leiden/Boston: Brill. DOI: 10.1163/9789004529397_014
2023. Najmah, Kusnan, Tom Davies and Sharyn Davies, ‘Disclosing One’s HIV Status During Indonesia’s COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges Faced by Mothers’, in Michael Ryan (ed.), COVID-19: Surviving a Pandemic, pp. 190-215. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
2023. Najmah, Riza Candra, Kusnan, Tom Graham Davies, Sari Andajani, Sharyn Graham Davies, ‘Health Worker Vulnerability and COVID-19: Panic, Tension and Distrust in Indonesia’. UK: Routledge.
2023. Reflections on Dede Oetomo, Julian Suryakusuma (ed.), Dina Listorini, Evi O Studio for GAYa NUSANTARA, Sydney.
Journal articles
2023. Millie, Julian, ‘Graduate Attributes, State Policy, and Islamic Preaching in Indonesia’, History and Anthropology, 34 (5), pp. 844-858. DOI: 10.1080/02757206.2023.2249482
2023. Millie, Julian, Dede Syarif and Moch. Fakhruroji, ‘The Discipline of Dakwah in Indonesia’s State Education System’, Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde, 179, pp. 38-60. DIO: 10.1163/22134379-bja10047
2023. Deckert, A., N.J. Long, P.J. Aikman, N.S. Appleton, S. Graham Davies, et. al., ‘“It Has Totally Changed How I Think About the Police”: COVID-19 and the Mis/Trust of Pandemic Policing in Aotearoa New Zealand’, Criminal Justice Review. DOI: 10.1177/07340168231193023
2022. Winarnita, Monika, S. Graham Davies and Nicholas Herriman, ‘Fashion, Thresholds, and Borders: Indonesia’s Policewomen and the Matter of Skin and Clothes’, M/C Journal, 25 (4). DOI: 10.5204/mcj.2934
2023. Millie, Julian, ‘An Islamic Paratheater: Ritual Embodiment of Saintly Narratives’, in Majid Daneshgar and Ervan Nurtawab (eds), Malay-Indonesian Islamic Studies: A Festschrift in Honor of Peter G. Riddell, pp. 349-365. (Texts and Studies on the Qurʾān, vol. 20.) Leiden/Boston: Brill. DOI: 10.1163/9789004529397_014
2023. Puspita, Sabina S., Review of Okamoto Masaaki and Jafar Suryomenggolo (eds), Indonesia at the Crossroads: Transformation and Challenges, Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University Press, 2022, International Quarterly for Asian Studies, 54 (3), pp. 333-335. https://doi.org/10.11588/iqas.2023.3.23474
2022
N.J. Long, A. Hunter, N.S. Appleton, S.G. Davies, et al., ‘The research imagination during COVID-19: Rethinking norms of group size and authorship in anthropological and anthropology-adjacent collaborations’, Anthropological Forum, 32(4), 351-370, DOI: 10.1080/00664677.2023.2169250.
M. Winarnita, S. Davies & N. Herriman, ‘Fashion, thresholds, and borders: Indonesia’s policewomen and the matter of skin and clothes’, M/C Journal, 25(4). DOI: 10.5204/mcj.2934.
N. Long, L. Tunafai & S. Davies, et al., ‘“The most difficult time of my life” or “COVID’s gift to me”? Differential experiences of COVID-19 funerary restrictions in Aotearoa New Zealand’, Mortality, 27, 476-492. DOI: 10.1080/13576275.2022.2049527.
E. Holroyd, N. Long & S. Davies, ‘Community healthcare workers’ experiences during and after COVID-19 lockdown: A qualitative study from Aotearoa New Zealand’, Health and Social Care in the Community. DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13720.
N. Long, N.S. Appleton & S. Davies, et al., ‘Pathways and obstacles to social recovery following the elimination of SARS-CoV-2 from Aotearoa New Zealand: A qualitative cross-sectional study’, Journal of Public Health, 44(4), e548-e556. DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab394.
J. Millie & U.A. Matin, 'Islamic particularity and academic freedom: Public institutions and doctrinal difference contemporary Indonesia', Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 53(3), 441-458.
J. Millie & D. Syarif, ‘The public politics of supplication in a time of disaster’, Indonesia, 113, 111-124.
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/862544/pdf.
J. Millie & N. Hosen, 'Freedom from consumption: The reformist critique of consumptive Islam in Indonesia', Asian Studies Review. DOI: 10.1080/10357823.2022.2110859.
S.G. Davies, ‘Queer Southeast Asia: Afterword’, in Queer Southeast Asia, edited by S. Tang & H.J. Wijaya. Routledge: London.
H. Manns, M. Ewing, S. Davies & J. Kruk, ‘Invigorating Indonesian studies in Australia through collaborative, online education practices’, Melbourne Asia Review, https://melbourneasiareview.edu.au/invigorating-indonesian-studies-in-australia-through-collaborative-online-education-practices.
Najmah, Kusnan & S. Davies, ‘From COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy to vaccine acceptance in South Sumatra, Indonesia’, National University of Singapore. https://ari.nus.edu.sg/20331-117.
S. Davies, ‘For Indonesia's transgender community, faith can be a source of discrimination – but also tolerance and solace’, The Conversation, 7 December. https://theconversation.com/for-indonesias-transgender-community-faith-can-be-a-source-of-discrimination-but-also-tolerance-and-solace-193063.
S. Davies, ‘The toxic masculinity of Indonesia’s police was on full display in Malang’, Indonesia at Melbourne, 12 October, University of Melbourne. https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/the-toxic-masculinity-of-indonesias-police-was-on-full-display-in-malang.
N. Martin-Anatias & S. Davies, ‘“Do you have children?”’: How common greetings in Asian communities can feel loaded with stigma for women’, The Conversation, 17 October. https://theconversation.com/do-you-have-children-how-common-greetings-in-asian-communities-can-feel-loaded-with-stigma-for-women-192015.
S. Davies, & C. Christine, ‘Indonesia’s new capital’, 27 September, Australian Outlook, Australian Institute of International Affairs. https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/indonesias-new-capital.
Najmah, Z. Maulidinda & S. Davies, ‘HIV: Perception, Resilience and Prevention’, HIV booklet: collaboration between Public Health Faculty Sriwijaya University, South Sumatra Provincial Health Office, Intan Maharani Foundation and Monash University. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A-PPuHrIgOhCY8rBSAoj4YNjgrHpM88W/view.
E. Holroyd & S. Davies, et al., ‘Community healthcare workers were left feeling isolated and under-appreciated during the pandemic’, The Conversation, 2 May. https://theconversation.com/community-healthcare-workers-were-left-feeling-isolated-and-under-appreciated-during-the-pandemic-180323#comment_2785088.
2021
Martin-Anatias, N., Long, N., Davies, S. et al. ‘Lockdown Ibuism: Experiences of Indonesian Migrant Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand.’ Intersections: Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific. Issue 45.
Najmah, Khodijah, S., Davies, S., et al. 'Believe it or not, it's Covid-19': Family Perceptions of Covid-19 in Palembang, Indonesia. Intersections: Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific. Issue 45.
Najmah, Davies, S. “What’s behind Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia?” New Mandela.
Najmah, Davies, S. “Endless stigma of HIV and COVID-19.” Inside Indonesia.
Najmah, Kusnan, Davies, S. “COVID-19 denial in Indonesia.” Inside Indonesia.
Talking Indonesia (22 April)
Sharyn Davies's research is discussed for the Talking Indonesia series, "Transgender women and public space", University of Melbourne: https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/talking-indonesia-transgender-women-and-public-space/
2020
Davies, S. What’s Driving Indonesia’s Moral Turn?, New Mandela.
Davies, S. Najmah. ‘Working together: Exploring grass-roots initiatives to mitigate Covid-19 in Indonesia.’ SEAC LSE.
Davies, S. For the Love of Languages. The Lens.
Davies, S. G., Oetomo, D., Hendri. Menolak Pseudosains Homofobik, Tirto.
Davies, S & Martin., N. 'Opinions Should Never Be Dressed Up as Scientific Fact: Indonesian Media and Disinformation'. The Jakarta Globe.
Davies, S & Najmah. ‘Im/moral healthcare: HIV and universal health coverage in Indonesia,’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 28(2): 1-18.
Hendri Yulius, Sharyn Davies, Dede Oetomo, 'Rejecting homophobic pseudoscience', The Jakarta Post.
Martin, N. & Davies S. Menuju Semangat Penelitian yang ‘Sehat’ dan Bertanggung Jawab, Detik.
Najmah, Indah Purnama Sari, Tri Novia Kumalasari, Sharyn Graham Davies, & Sari Andajani. (2020). Factors influencing HIV knowledge among women of childbearing age in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 20(1), 150-159.
Najmah, Davies, S., Yeni. ‘COVID and HIV in Indonesia: Predictive modelling, empowering women, and Covid-19 in South Sumatra, Indonesia.’ ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement. ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement, 4(1). Available at: https://doi.org/
Najmah, Andajani, S. Davies, S. ‘Perceptions of and barriers to HIV testing of women in Indonesia,’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters. 28(2): 1-14.
Najmah, Sari Andajani, Sharyn Graham Davies. ‘From Drawings to Puppet Shows: Creating a Collective Space for HIV-Positive Women. Advances in Health Sciences Research, volume 25, DOI https://doi.org/10.2991/ahsr.k.200612.033
Gatty Lecture Rewind Podcast (8 December)
Sharyn Davies presents the Gatty Lecture on Immorality in Indonesia: https://gattyrewind.libsyn.com/episode-38-sharyn-davies-associate-professor-director-of-the-herb-feith-indonesian-engagement-centre-monash-university;
Talking Indonesia (16 July)
Sharyn Davies talks to Dirk Tomsa for the Talking Indonesia series, "Covid-19 and community engagement", University of Melbourne: https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/talking-indonesia-covid-19-and-community-engagement/
SSEAC Stories (14 May)
Sharyn Davies and Najmah talk about "COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS in Indonesia": https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xZzqvfLYK4pJTd1rb6SX7
2019
Amanda, P., Tieken, S., Davies, S. G., and Kusumaningrum, S. The Juvenile Courts and Children’s Rights: Good Intentions, Flawed Execution. In M. Couch (Ed), The Politics of Court Reform (pp. 265-286). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Davies, S. & Hidaya, I. (eds), Sexual Contestations, special edition of Inside Indonesia. 14 articles.
Davies, S & Anantasari, A. Gender-Sensitive Disaster Risk Reduction in Indonesia. GNS Science International Consultancy Report. STiRRRD. 98 pages.
Davies, S ‘Citizenship Re-centred: Gender and Sexual Diversity in Indonesia’ In Weiringa, S. (Ed), The Sage Handbook of Global Sexualities. London: Sage. 978-1-5264-2412-9
Davies, S. Islamic Identity and Sexuality in Indonesia. In Ratuva, S. (Ed), The Palgrave Handbook of Ethnicity. London, Palgrave.
Davies, S. Islam, Sexuality, and Gender Identity. Oxford Encyclopedia of LGBT Politics and Policy/Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. Gary Mucciaroni (ed). https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.1255
Davies, S. Waria. The Global Encyclopedia of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History. New York: Gale Cengage.
Davies, S. The lesser of two evils: New Zealand will find it hard to work with whoever wins the upcoming Indonesian election. The Asia Media Centre.
Davies, S. I chose freely to wear a veil, just as many Muslim women do. Stuff, The Dominion Post and the Christchurch Press. https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/comments/b91n0t/i_chose_freely_to_wear_a_veil_just_as_many_muslim/
Najmah, Davies, S. G. & Andajani, S., ‘Getting married to a suspected bisexual man: a silent mode of HIV transmission among married women in Indonesia. Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. 10, 7, p. 976-980 5 p.
Yulius, H. and Davies, S. G. The Unfulfilled Promise of Democracy: Lesbian and Gay Activism and Indonesia. In M. Ford & T. Dibley (Eds.). Activists in Transition (pp. 252-285). Cornell: Cornell University Press.
2018
Andajani-Sutjahjo, S., Bennett, L., and Davies, S. ‘Silent Strategies: The Legacy of Sexual Violence among Chinese Indonesians.’ Intersections: Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific, 42 (August).
Bennett, L., Davies, S., and Hidayana, I. Sexualitias di Indonesia (translation of Sex and Sexualities in Indonesia). Jakarta: Yayasan Obor.
Davies, S. The Anthropological Study of Bisexuality. In Hilary Callan (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Anthropology. Wiley-Blackwell. London.
Davies, S. Gender and Sexual Plurality in Indonesia: Past and Present. In R. Hefner (Ed), Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Indonesia (pp. 281-311). London: Routledge.
Davies, S. Diversitas Gender di Indonesia: Sexualitas, Islam dan Diri Quer (translation of Gender Diversity in Indonesia), Jakarta: Yayasan Obor.
Davies, S. ‘Bissu’, World Religion and Spirituality Project.
Davies, S. ‘The Transcendent Bissu.’ AEON.
Davies, S. ‘Threats to Diversity in Indonesia’ Asia Media Centre, https://www.asiamediacentre.org.nz/opinion/threats-on-diversity-in-indonesia-sharyn-davies/
Davies, S. ‘Turning the rising tide of anti-LGBT sentiment in Indonesia’, East Asia Forum,
Davies, S. ‘Celebrating Diversity in Indonesia?’ Asia Media Centre. https://www.asiamediacentre.org.nz/
Davies, S. ‘Skins of Morality: Bio-borders, Ephemeral Citizenship and Policing Women in Indonesia’, Asian Studies Review, 42(1), 69-88.
Platt, M., Davies, S., and Bennett, L. R. ‘Introduction. Contestations of Gender, Sexuality and Morality in Contemporary Indonesia.’ Asian Studies Review, 42(1), 1-15.
Towner, N., & Davies, S. ‘Surfing Tourism and Community in Indonesia’, Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2018.1457036.
2017
Davies, S., McGregor, J., Giddings, L. S., and Pringle, J. ‘Rationalising Pay Inequity: Women Engineers, Pervasive Patriarchy and the Neoliberal Mystique in New Zealand’, Journal of Gender Studies, 27(6), 323-336.
Hartono, H., Davies, S. , and MacRae, G. ‘You Can’t Avoid Sex and Cigarettes: How Indonesian Muslim mothers teach their children to read Billboards’. Pacific Journalism Review, 23(2), 146-163.
Listiorini, D. & Davies, S. Online Dating Apps Blocked. Inside Indonesia, April.
Najmah, Davies, S. & Andajani, S. ‘HIV-Positive Mothers left behind’, Inside Indonesia. July.
2016
Davies, S. ‘Indonesia’s Anti-LGBT Panic’, East Asia Forum, 8(2): 8-11.
Davies, S. What we can learn from an Indonesian ethnicity that recognizes five genders. The Conversation, Invited contribution. This has been translated for GAYa Nusantara.
Davies, S. Indonesia’s Anti-LGBT Panic, East Asia Forum, April-June, 8(2), pp. 8-11.
Davies, S. 'Indonesian ‘Tolerance’ Under Strain as Anti-LGBT Furore Grows'. Asian Currents (March) Invited contribution. This has been translated for GAYA Nusantara.
Davies, S., Meliala, A., and Buttle, J. ‘Gangnam Style versus Eye of the Tiger: People, Police and Procedural Justice in Indonesia.’ Policing and Society: An International Journal of Research and Policy, 26(4), 1-21.
Davies, S. & Robson, J., ‘Juvenile (In)justice: Children in Conflict with the Law in Indonesia.’ Asia-Pacific Journal on Human Rights and the Law, 17(1), 119-147.
Davies, S., Stone, L. M., and Buttle, J. ‘Covering Cops: Critical reporting of Indonesian police corruption’, Pacific Journalism Review, 22(1), 185-201.
2015
Andajani, S., Lubis, D., and Davies, S., ‘Police Raids on LGBT and the Moral Agenda: A Media Analysis’ (Razia Terhadap LGBT Sebagai Agenda Moralitas Palsu: Kajian Pemberitaan Media di Indonesia), Jurnal Perempuan, 20(4), 97-107.
Bennett, L. & Davies, S. (eds.) Sex and Sexualities in Indonesia: Sexual Politics, Diversity, Representations and Health, London: Routledge.
Buttle, J. W., Davies, S., and Meliala, A. ‘A Cultural Constraints Theory of Police Corruption: Understanding the Persistence of Police Corruption in Contemporary Indonesia.’ Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 49(3), 437-454.
Davies, S. Beautiful Virgins: The Hard Road to Becoming an Indonesian Policewoman. Asian Currents (April).
Davies, S. Surveilling Sexuality in Indonesia. In L. Bennett & S. G. Davies (Eds.), Sex and Sexualities in Contemporary Indonesia: Sexual Politics, Health, Diversity and Representations (pp. 30-61). London, Routledge.
Davies, S. ‘Performing Selves: The Trope of Authenticity and Robert Wilson's Stage Production of I La Galigo.’ Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 46(3), 417-443.
Davies, S. & Bennett, L. (2015). Sexuality, Continuity and Change in the Reformasi era. In L. Bennett & S. G. Davies (Eds.), Sex and Sexualities in Contemporary Indonesia: Sexual Politics, Health, Diversity and Representations (pp. 1-25). London: Routledge.
Davies, S., Buttle, J. W., and Meliala, A. ‘If You Lose Your Goat: Public Perceptions of Police in Indonesia.’ Journal of Social Science Research, 6(2), 22-41.
Davies, S. & Hartono, H. ‘The Pretty Imperative: Handcuffing Policewomen in Indonesia.’ Intersections: Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific, issue 37.
Davies, S., Stone, L., and Buttle, J. ‘A Disinterested Press: Reporting Police in a Provincial Indonesian newspaper’, Media Asia, 42(1 and 2), 1-14.
In the Media and op eds
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2024
Andina Dwifatma reflects on her publication in a Meet the Author interview with Taylor and Francis - Listen here.
2024 Election
Sharyn Davies' interviews
- Canadian Broadcasting Corp 13 February, 2024
- Chanel 9 News 13 February, 2024
- 7 News Live 14 February, 2024
- ABC Weekend Breakfast Live TV 14 February, 2024
- C3R Radio 14 February, 2024, 7.30am
- Ultra106 FM Radio 14 February, 2024, 7.30am
- 7 News, Sydney 15 February, 2024
Sabina Puspita's interviews
- Channel NewsAsia - Interview 1 14 February, 2024
- Channel NewsAsia - Interview 2 14 February, 2024
2023
Sharyn Davies interviewed by Faculti, 1 June, 2023. https://faculti.net/gender-and-sexuality-in-indonesia
Sharyn Davies interviewed by Radio Slovenia about Indonesia’s new capital, 15 April, 2023. Interviewed by Matija Pohorec. https://radiostudent.si/ljudje/matija-pohorec. Listen at https://radiostudent.si/politika/juzna-hemisfera/iz-jave-na-borneo
Sabina Puspita quoted in Gatra.com on “Monash University Gagas Diskusi tentang Peran Perempuan dalam Politik Pasca Reformasi” [Monash University Proposes Discussions on Women’s Role in Post-Reformasi Politics], 2 June, 2023. https://www.gatra.com/news-573019-pendidikan-monash-university-gagas-diskusi-tentang-peran-perempuan-dalam-politik-pasca-reformasi.html
Sabina Puspita quoted in Beritajogja.com on “Kisah Para Perempuan Pemberani dalam Gerakan ‘Reformasi’ Diungkit dalam Diskusi di Monash University” [Stories from the Brave Women of the ‘Reformasi’ Movement Retold in Monash University’s Discussion],31 May, 2023. https://www.beritajogja.com/news/18700113/kisah-para-perempuan-pemberani-dalam-gerakan-reformasi-diungkit-dalam-diskusi-di-monash-university?page=2
Sabina Puspita interviewed by LETSS TALK - Feminist Thesis and Dissertation Talk about “Stealth Politics by the Reformist Women’s Movement in Indonesia”, 26 August 2023. https://www.youtube.com/live/Sc_OAUEDzf8?feature=shared
The Jakarta Post, 29 July, 2023. https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2023/07/29/mobilizing-indonesias-netizens-to-promote-language-learning.html
Howard Manns, Michael Ewing, Sharyn Davies and Jess Kruk, ‘Invigorating Indonesian Studies in Australia Through Collaborative, Online Education Practices’, Melbourne Asia Review, 13 March 2023. https://melbourneasiareview.edu.au/invigorating-indonesian-studies-in-australia-through-collaborative-online-education-practices
Also published on Asialink: https://asialink.unimelb.edu.au/insights/invigorating-indonesian-studies-in-australia-through-collaborative,-online-education-practices
Najmah, Kusnan and Sharyn Davies, ‘From COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy to Vaccine Acceptance in South Sumatra, Indonesia’. National University of Singapore, 4 February, 2023. https://ari.nus.edu.sg/20331-117
Sabina Puspita and Muhammad Fajar, ‘4 Langkah untuk Mempercepat Pembentukan Satgas Antikekerasan Seksual di Perguruan Tinggi Indonesia’ [Indonesian Universities are Still Slow in Implementing Anti-Sexual Violence Measures. Here are 4 Ways to Speed Things Up], The Conversation, 9 March, 2023. https://theconversation.com/4-langkah-untuk-mempercepat-pembentukan-satgas-antikekerasan-seksual-di-perguruan-tinggi-indonesia-201409
Sabina Puspita and Muhammad Fajar, ‘Indonesian Universities are Still Slow in Implementing Anti-Sexual Violence Measures. The Jakarta Post, 9 March, 2023. https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2023/03/09/indonesian-universities-are-still-slow-in-implementing-anti-sexual-violence-measures.html
2022
SBS on a number of occasions, SBS Language | Monash University is holding a seminar (MISS 2) about
increasing the study of Asian languages in Australia. How can you get involved?
ABC Drive Newcastle, Paul Turton, 5.10 pm, 7 December, on Indonesia’s new criminal code.
Gavin King, host of the King Review, 8 December, on Indonesia’s criminal code.
Australia-Indonesia Centre on language learning: A languages campaign aims to help revitalise the study of
Indonesian in Australia | AustraliaIndonesia.com.
LGBT Nation with a resulting article : https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/09/dean-indonesia-berated-
nonbinary-student-sparked-national-conversation-gender.
SEA Today on the importance of Indonesian language (interviewed by Andri Mukmad).
New Zealand Herald about the Immigration and Protection Tribunal ordering a gay Balinese woman
to be deported: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tribunal-orders-gay-balinese-woman-be-deported/
LVUNWUGMOMWHF2X5Z2M4LAD3JY.
SBS Indonesia about sports diplomacy following the MISS 1: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/indonesian/
audio/diplomasi-olahraga-apa-itu-dan-mengapa-itu-penting.
2021
Brut (7 June)
Sharyn Davies is interview by French media organisation Brut on gender diversity in Indonesia: https://fb.watch/5_RCCLaw76/
Rfi (4 June)
Sharyn Davies is quoted by French newspaper RFI about Covid in Indonesia: https://www.rfi.fr/fr/asie-pacifique/20210604-en-indon%C3%A9sie-le-vaccin-sinovac-se-heurte-au-sentiment-anti-chinois?ref=tw
BBC (11 April)
Sharyn Davies is quoted by the BBC in "Asia's isle of five separate genders."
2020
AIDRAN (24 June)
Sharyn Davies presents on the ‘Impact of coronavirus pandemic on people with disabilities’ at the Indonesia Project’s global webinar series, 24 June. https://aidran.org/impact-of-coronavirus-pandemic-on-people-with-disabilities-is-discussed-at-the-indonesia-projects-global-webinar-series-24-june-2020/
ABC News (27 March) "Professor Ariel Heryanto, Indonesian academician in Australia who continues to strive for friendship between the two countries" [Profesor Ariel Heryanto, Akademisi Asal Indonesia di Australia yang Terus Upayakan Persahabatan Dua Negara]
Author: Sastra Wijaya
Warnasulsel (22 June)
"Three International Speakers Participate in the Launching of the 2020 Lontaraq Virtual Literacy Festival"
Australia awards in Indonesia
Herb Feith Centre successfully sponsors Najmah for an Australian Indonesia DFAT award: https://www.australiaawardsindonesia.org/content/450/15/list-of-recipients-of-the-alumni-grant-scheme-ags-2020-round-2?sub=true&fbclid=IwAR14c1gNqthbpbhTWK9eh3Ld4XYQ4ujGWIJQEaqPjIB1mlJr-RoFj2jsfrs
2019
Jakarta Post (24 November) "The rise and fall of Ahok: In search of Chinese-Indonesians’ identity"
Author: Harry Bhaskara
UNAIR News (13 November) "UNAIR delegation upholds the other side of the Chinese community in the 2019 Monash Herb Feith Centre Conference" [Delegasi UNAIR Angkat Sisi Lain Masyarakat Tionghoa dalam Monash Herb Feith Center Conference 2019]
Author: Nabila Amelia
BUSET (3 November) "Explores Chinese ethnic identity" [Mengupas Identitas Etnis Tionghoa]
Author: Buset
Pressreader (1 November) "Kabar"
Author: Lily Wibisono
Kompas (31 October) "Revisiting Indonesian nationalism and unity" [Meninjau Kembali Nasionalisme dan Persatuan Indonesia]
Author: Harry Bhaskara
OZIP (23 October) "Note from the 2019 Chinese conference: Not just a matter of racism and nationalism" [Catatan dari Chinese Conference 2019: Bukan sekadar masalah rasial dan nasionalisme]
Author: Pratiwi Utami
ABC News (4 October) "Director General of Culture Hilmar Farid discuss Ahok and Indonesian Chinese politicians in Melbourne" [Dirjen Kebudayaan Hilmar Farid Bahas Ahok dan Politisi Tionghoa Indonesia di Melbourne]
Author: Sastra Wijaya
The Conversation (19 September)
"How a populist morality movement is blocking a law against sexual violence in Indonesia: analysis."
2016
The Conversation (17 June)
"What we can learn from an Indonesian ethnicity that recognizes five genders."
BUSET For additional articles about the Herb Feith Centre, go to https://buset-online.com/?s=herb+feith+centre
Conference Presentations
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2023
‘Indonesia’s New Criminal Code: Decolonizing the Law or Undermining Democracy?’
Association for Asian Studies Annual Conference, Boston, March 16-19. Sharyn Davies speaking alongside Bivitri Susanti, Zainal Abidin Bagir, Sylvia Tiwon, and Yosef Djakababa.
Sharyn Davies. Keynote presentation ‘Security Post-Pandemic’ to the 7th International Conference on Strategic and Global Studies (ICSGS), Deakin University and UI.
The 7th International Conference on Strategic and Global Studies (ICSGS) - SKSG - Universitas Indonesia (ui.ac.id) The 7th International Conference on Strategic and Global Studies - SSGS UI | Day 1 - YouTube
Sharyn Davies. Keynote presentation to Indonesia’s Police Science College on policing identity politics during the 2024 presidential election. https://stik-ptik.ac.id
Sharyn Davies. VILTA with Howard Manns on Indonesian Education. ‘Developing Sustainable Teaching Resources’.
Sabina Puspita. Presentation ‘Pengorganisasian Jaringan Gerakan Feminis di Luar dan Dalam Lembaga Negara [Organizing Feminist Movement Networks Within and Outside the State]’, The 1st Annual Kartini Conference on Indonesian Feminisms, LETSS TALK. https://youtu.be/b-F-yNtBZOc?feature=shared
Sabina Puspita. Presentation ‘By the Rivers of Babylon: Doing Doctoral Research on Gender Politics in Post-Reformasi Indonesia’, The 11th Arryman Symposium, Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII). https://wartatangerang.com/isrsf-gelar-simposium-arryman-ke-11-di-uiii
2022
VILTA (April)
Sharyn Davies addressed the Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers’ Association on language teaching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=2icfG1p7MZM&fbclid=IwAR27wrCJX6dSHnKGhplcXuzjKBHFFw5TtEvt97Kb3KbyMdDvZFjznlJx7r4#menu.
2nd conference of the European Association for Southeast Asian Studies (28 June - 1 July)
Sharyn Davies, ‘HIV and Marital Deception: The Complex Story of HIV Transmission Among Women in South Sumatra, Indonesia’, 2nd conference of the European Association for Southeast Asian Studies, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales and Campus Condorcet, Paris-Aubervilliers, France, Online.
AIFIS-MSU Conference on Indonesian Studies (July)
Sri Mulyani, Nelly Martin, Sharyn G. Davies, Juliana Wijaya, Elisabeth Wulandari and Simrandeep, ‘Indonesian Diasporic Experiences and Identity Formation’, AIFIS-MSU Conference on Indonesian Studies.
Sharyn Davies presented at the ‘Workshop on Faith in Immunity: Religion, COVID-19 Vaccines and Structures of Trust’, Singapore, 27-28 October. Sharyn Davies, ‘Woman, Islam and Science’, Keynote presentation (via Zoom) for the State Islamic University Raden Fatah. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218240980574303&set=a.4913956625106.
Delivering Education in a Geopolitically Insecure World (August)
Sharyn Davies spoke with Dr Carina Garland MP, Member for Chisholm, and Michael Phillips ‘Delivering Education in a Geopolitically Insecure World’, Seminar organised by Professor Sharon Pickering.
IndonesiaRe (September)
Sharyn Davies, ‘How is Science and Technology Implemented during Pandemic and towards Endemic COVID-19?’, University of Indraprasta, KIBAR ke-2 (Konferensi Internasional Berbahasa Indonesia Universitas Indraprasta PGRI). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SINHfzsQnU.
Australia-Indonesia Centre (September)
Sharyn Davies was a panellist for ‘Researchers Working Across Cultures’, hosted by the Australia-Indonesia Centre.
Museum Macam (October)
Sharyn Davies, Keynote speaker at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (Museum Macam) event, ‘Present Continuous / Sekarang Seterusnya’, with leading Indonesian artists. The event was sponsored by Project 11.
Sharyn Davies, ‘Alone in a Crisis Workshop: New Zealand as a Case Study’, Seminar organised by Lara McKenzie, University of Western Australia.
Howard Manns, Michael Ewing and Sharyn Davies spoke on ‘Motivation of University Language Learners during the Pandemic: A Lens on Language Education at Tertiary Level in Australia’, LCNAU Conference, University of Melbourne.
2020
International Conference on Social and Political Development Issues (ICONIDS) (26-27 October)
Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jawa Timu. Sharyn Davies presents on the ‘Covid and Health in Indonesia’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vf2KuuvQ-k
Creative Entrepreneurship (7 October)
Sharyn Davies opens the Creative Entrepreneurship forum: https://www.monash.edu/arts/media-film-journalism/creative-directions-2020/creative-directions-2020-program
International La Galigo Festival
Sharyn Davies opens the International La Galigo Festival in Makassar, Indonesia.
The Crawford School, ANU
Sharyn Davies presents on the Covid-19 and Vulnerable People in Indonesia: https://www.covid19indonesia.net/events/covid-19-and-vulnerable-people
Podcasts
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Centre reports
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Explore the Centre's activities and achievements in these reports. Read through the summaries of research projects, collaborations, publications, events and other activities for insight into the Centre's performance and impact.
We are grateful for our deep partnerships both in Australia and Indonesia that allows us to continue this important work. View our partners here.