Herb Feith Research In Indonesia Symposium - a review
Monash University, Indonesia Campus, Jakarta, 4 December, 2024
Now in its second year, the Herb Feith Research in Indonesia Symposium (formerly known as the Gala) was an evening of inspiration and opportunity, highlighting the impact of Arts-led research, and offering prospective Indonesia-based candidates an opportunity to explore the possibilities of pursuing a Monash PhD. Stronger connections were forged, fresh insights generated, and collaborations to continue to tackle the challenges of our time were fostered.
Attracting 160 registrations, the audience included past and prospective Monash students, government representatives, colleagues from other universities, NGOs, and the private sector who heard inspiring keynote speeches, rapid-fire presentations, and panel discussions. As food was shared and connections were made, aspirations were ignited.
The legacy of Herb Feith was well and truly alive as the audience were invited to imagine a more just world while gaining insights into Monash Arts research that addresses the Challenges of the Age, such as climate change, health issues such as stroke and stunting, water governance, and energy justice.
Keynote speakers Dr Irine Gayatri and Professor E. Aminudin Aziz, both Monash alumni, discussed their work in creating fair and just communities. Dr. Gayatri spoke about advancing a social justice agenda through the UN, while Professor Aziz reflected on his time in Melbourne during his PhD, sharing his leadership experience in government and universities and how he has been leading efforts to preserve indigenous languages in Indonesia.
A common theme of personal connections between Australia and Indonesia emerged throughout the symposium, often centred around food. Notably the audience heard of a discovery of family ties with Herb Feith’s family; and of memories of Indonesian cuisine's introduction to 1990s suburban Melbourne through a cottage meatball business.
The audience was captivated by a special performance from Natalino Mella, Master Sasando player and crafter, and an alumnus of the Australia Awards in Indonesia.
Dozens of attendees who expressed interest in pursuing a PhD discovered how Monash’s postgraduate research program, a cornerstone of the university's commitment to addressing global challenges, offers opportunities such as the student mobility program, access to Monash's global campuses, and about the unique opportunity that a PhD provides to generate new knowledge in a specialised field. Interested attendees were invited to explore these opportunities with Arts Graduate Research experts in private consultations.
Awards
The following awards were presented throughout the event, including the prestigious Herb Feith PhD Scholarship.
Herb Feith PhD Scholarship: Jessica Kim
- Inaugural Elaine McKay Indonesian Studies Award - Khadijah Saleh (Hada)
2024 Academic Boost Awards
- Annisa Istikawati for the paper titled "Analyzing the Customer Experience at Kopi Kamu: A Social Impact Study in Inclusive Employment."
- Rizky Widodo for the paper titled "Climate Change-Related Disasters and Optimal Utilisation of Maternal Healthcare and Pregnancy Outcome in Indonesia: A Cross-sectional Study from SKI 2023 and Disaster Database"
Read more here
Read more about Herb Feith Awards here.
Guest reflections
- Firdhan: "This is a great event because it opens many opportunities for us to connect with each other and to have a dialogue and conversation."
- Dhian: "This is useful for me as a prospective student who wants to undertake a phd - good information was provided in the event."
- Edison: "I was amazed by the first panel because the research includes such a rich topics... This will also help me find a topic for my PhD."
Acknowledgements
The Herb Feith Centre team are grateful to keynote speakers and special guests:
Dr Irine Gayatri, Senior Researcher BRIN, Monash Arts Alumna; and
Professor E Aminudin Aziz, Professor of Pragmatics and Forensic Linguistics, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia; Monash Arts Alumnus,
Professor Katie Stevenson, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Monash University and
Professor Matthew Nicholson, Pro-Vice Chancellor and President (Indonesia), Monash University, Indonesia, and
Panelists and moderators - who are listed below.
We would like to make very special mention to thank and acknowledge the work of the Monash University, Indonesia team for welcoming the Herb Feith Centre team to the vibrant Monash Indonesia campus, and for their work behind the scenes to make the event possible.
Panelists (A-Z)
- Professor Megan Farrelly, Associate Dean, Graduate Research, Faculty of Arts, Professor of Environmental Geography in the School of Social Sciences
- Rima Febriani, PhD Candidate, Arts Faculty, Monash University, Australia
- Hilman Fathoni, PhD candidate, Monash University, Australia, Faculty of Arts, and Herb Feith Scholar
- Professor Jane M Jacobs, Director (Academics) and Professor in Urban Design, Monash University Indonesia.
- Dr Wikke Novalia, Senior research Fellow, Human Geography, Anthropology and Development Studies, Monash University Australia
- Sari Ratri, IFAR Research Fellow, PhD candidate, Northwestern University
- Dr Dima Rusho, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Faculty of Arts, Monash University
- Assistant Professor Yulisna Mutia Sari, Assistant Professor, Monash University, Indonesia; Monash Alumna
- Assoc Professor Narelle Warren, Deputy Head of School, Monash University, Australia
Moderators
- Associate Professor Sharyn Davies, Director, Herb Feith Centre
- Assistant Professor Gabriella Fernando, Assistant Professor, Monash University, Indonesia
- Assistant Professor Sabina Puspita, Herb Feith Centre, Deputy Director; Public Policy and Management, Monash University, Indonesia
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