About the Centre
The Herb Feith Centre is a platform for excellence in Indonesia focused research. Housed in the Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Australia, the Centre is inspired by the legacy of Professor Herb Feith, and continues his dedication to justice, fairness, and meaningful engagement in the region.
With Centre leadership based in Monash University campuses in Melbourne and Jakarta, the Centre is uniquely positioned to address local and global challenges relating to Indonesia.
Centre Director Associate Professor Sharyn Davies joined Monash Arts in 2020. Associate Professor Davies is recognised internationally as an expert in the field of Indonesian Studies and for her contributions on policing in Indonesia, police corruption, social media, surveillance, gender and sexuality. Associate Professor Davies advances the University’s strong engagement with Indonesia.
Deputy Director Assistant Professor Sabina Puspita, is based at Monash Monash University’s Indonesia campus in Jakarta. Assistant Professor Puspita is an early career academic teaching public policy and management, with a research focus on democratisation, gender politics and sustainable communities.
Alongside our colleagues and stakeholders, the Centre is grateful to the foundations established by inaugural Centre Director, Emeritus Professor Ariel Heryanto, and is committed to working in equitable partnership across Indonesia and Australia. The Centre is developing its research program with a focus on addressing critical issues of regional and global importance including the Monash University Challenges of the Age which are - Climate Change, Geopolitical Security, and contributing to Thriving Communities.
The Centre’s research on climate change resilience in Eastern Indonesia brings together stakeholders from across industry, government, and communities in Indonesia to develop practical and scalable resilience strategies, particularly for women, older people, and those living with a disability.
Contributing to security through a focus on gender equality, the Centre advises Indonesia’s police and partners with governments and NGOs to provide practical toolkits for survivors of domestic violence.
Additionally, the Centre advocates for increased Indonesian language learning in Australia to promote greater cultural and linguistic engagement and provide a key contact point for postgraduate students researching Indonesia related topics for deep and lasting relationships that contribute to the development and sustainability of thriving communities.
Named for Herb Feith, a Monash scholar and engaged activist who led international research on Indonesian politics, the Centre continues our proud connection to his legacy of positive collaboration, and critical and non-violent approaches to conflict resolution and human rights. Herb Feith was a formidable leader in the development of Indonesian Studies in Australia and bringing the two countries together, inspiring generations to follow in his footsteps of activism and fighting for what is right. Read more about Herb Feith.
We hope you’ll join us on this journey.
As a leading international educational institution, and host of significant Asia expertise, such as the Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre, Monash is an important partner for the Government's agenda.
Hon Penny Wong MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2022
[In a letter to Professor Margaret Gardner, Monash University, former Vice Chancellor]