Monash Indonesian Seminar Series (MISS)

The Monash Indonesian Seminar Series is a collaboration between Monash University Library and Monash Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre. The Seminar Series comprises of monthly seminars featuring contemporary topics relating to Indonesia and Australia presented by key guest speakers.

The Library’s Indonesian collection is one of the most comprehensive in Australia. Check the Indonesian Studies Library Guide to see their diverse range of materials, including the Indonesian Special Collection.

Please see our events page for any upcoming MISS events.

MISS recordings

Ternate

February 24 - Of Sultans and Spice

Ternate is part of an archipelago off the coast of Indonesia called the Maluku Islands – better known as the ‘The Spice Islands’ for the simple reason that until the 17th century this was the only known source of nutmeg, mace and cloves in the world. The West craved these exotic flavours, but the Arab and Asian traders kept the source of the prized plants and powders a closely guarded secret.
BRIN

April 3 - Conducting research in Indonesia

This second information session provides an update on the process of conducting research in and on Indonesia. Hear from a senior BRIN representative, as well as a number of scholars who have successfully obtained an Indonesian research permit and visa.

March 3 - The Power of Sports Diplomacy

Sport is a mechanism that brings people together and advances the understanding of each other whilst minimising tensions. Listen here to Robbie Gaspar and Ana Surjanto talk about the power of sports diplomacy.
World map

April 7 - Investing in the future of language studies by learning from the past

Professor Melissa Crouch considers the importance of mainstreaming the study of Asia to support language studies. Liam Prince talks about the Australian public policy and government funding for Asian language learning.

August 29 - Thinking through Sustainable Development in Indonesia

Professor Sulaiman discussed ideas on sustainable development in Indonesia. Drawing on his expertise in environmental and sustainable industry and the green economy, Professor Sulaiman showcased progress in Indonesia, particularly in his region of Banten.

September 5 - In conversation with BRIN: Indonesia's new research and ethics requirements

Two senior representatives from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) share the latest updates on conducting research in Indonesia.

February 11 - Identity politics and style in the Malay music and culture of Riau Islands

This seminar explores the promotion and revitalisation of local culture and identity in the Riau province of Indonesia.

March 4 - 'Seeking the Imam' Documentary

When Dhania was 17 years old she fell for ISIS propaganda and chose to leave Indonesia and travel to Syria to join ISIS. Dhania soon saw that ISIS life was not as sweet as the propaganda made it out to be.

April 8 - Beyond the setting sun

The links between Indonesians and Torres Strait Islanders have intensified over the past 500 years. This seminar explores the material expressions of this intensification using a wide range of historical, linguistic, ethnographic, and archaeological evidence.

May 6 - Propaganda and Sexual Panics in Indonesia

How can the rule of law, human, women’s and sexual rights be strengthened?

June 3 - Ending Invisibility and Stigma in Indonesia

Having your whole existence registered since birth is a luxury for Indonesia's most vulnerable, even for those who were born and raised in the country.

August 5 - Genre Publics: Popular Music, Technologies and Class in Indonesia

Hear Associate Professor Emma Baulch talk about how music helped reshape Indonesian senses of the modern.

September 2 - LGBTIQ Activism in the Time of COVID-19

Join our panel as they share their experiences of LGBTIQ+ activism during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

May 15 - Margaret Kartomi

Margaret Kartomi AM has been researching Indonesian music in field settings for more than 50 years. In this conversation, Margaret reflects back upon some of those settings, the musical forms she encountered, and the Indonesians who helped her in her research.

June 16 - Pam Nilan

Our latest Podcast features one of Australia’s leading sociologists of Indonesia, Conjoint Professor Pam Nilan of the University of Newcastle. Professor Julian Millie joins Pam to reflect on her decades of research into youth in Australia and Indonesia.

September 24 - The Wandering

This webinar explores The Wandering, a novel about the highs and lows of global nomadism, the politics and privileges of travel and desire, and the freedoms and limitations of the choices we make.

October 29 - Indonesia: State and society in transition

Hear from our panellists as they share their thoughts on Indonesia’s standing and how the country is perceived and studied from the outside.

November 26 - Social commitment in literature and the arts

To mark the publication of Komitmen Sosial dalam Sastra dan Seni: Sejarah LEKRA 1950-1965, Professor Julian Millie sits down with Dr Keith Foulcher and Kelana Wisnu Sapta Nugraha to discuss Keith's experiences in writing the book and the events that unfolded subsequent to the publication.