Herb Feith Graduate Research Gala 2023: Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring Future Scholars
Group photo - the speakers and all participants
Jakarta, 12 December 2023 -The Herb Feith Graduate Research Gala 2023 took place at Monash University, Indonesia’s BSD Campus. Co-organized by the Monash Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre and Arts Graduate Research, the event aimed to promote the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) pathway in the Arts at Monash University's global campuses, particularly to prospective students in Indonesia.
The Herb Feith Graduate Research Gala drew its inspiration from the remarkable legacy of Herbert Feith, an Australian and globally recognized academic of Indonesian politics. Feith's profound impact as a humanitarian, dedicated activist, and astute scholar of modern Indonesia serve as a testament to his influential contributions to academia and society.
Professor Alex Lechner leading the discussion panel
The event saw a gathering of approximately 50 attendees, including Monash PhD alumni, current researchers, academic supervisors, and prospective students. The discussion panel, expertly moderated by Professor Alex Lechner, Vice President (Research) at Monash University, Indonesia, featured panelists such as Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar, currently BRIN's Research Professor; Dr. Yulisna Mutia Sari, Research Assistant Professor at Koneksi Climate Resilience Project; and Associate Professor Narelle Warren, Monash Arts PhD supervisor and a medical anthropologist.
Professor Andrew MacIntyre deliving his speech
Professor Andrew MacIntyre, Monash University, Indonesia’s 2019-2024 President, opened the event by giving a speech, “One of the core things [of this Gala] is to introduce people to options for doing PhD, connecting up across all the different Monash locations. This is very unusual in the world to be able to do this.” He added, “Do not go home tonight if you have a question unanswered because The Herb Feith Graduate Research Gala is a really good opportunity for prospective PhD students to ask any questions.”
Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar sharing her experience during study at Monash University in Melbourne
Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar delivered a captivating keynote speech of the power of a higher degree by research. She also highlighted her memories of studying under Herb Feith’s supervision in Melbourne in the 1980s.
The egalitarian nature of their bond showcased the importance of a supportive and nurturing supervisor-student relationship for the success and development of a PhD candidate. The speech shed light on the significance of passion, dedication, perseverance, and mentorship in the often solitary journey of pursuing a PhD.
During the event, Dr. Isabella Ofner, Monash Arts Graduate Research Manager, also provided valuable insights into initiating the HDR pathway in the Arts at Monash. Dr. Ofner offered prospective students a comprehensive understanding of the program's structure and opportunities.
Herb Feith Centre Fellowship 2023
A moment of achievement and recognition occurred as the Herb Feith Centre Fellowship 2023 was awarded to Apriwan from Universitas Andalas (Padang, West Sumatra), while the Herb Feith Centre Academic Boost Awards 2023 were presented to Angela, Master of Urban Design student, and Muliadi Limanjaya, Master of Public Health student.
The Fellowship aims to support early career researchers, and the Awards were presented to boost the Monash Indonesia students’ interests and potential in advancing their critical thinking and research skills for social justice.
Angela’s research was about the public health challenges faced by Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta from an urban design perspective. It highlights the harsh living conditions impacting public health (respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin conditions), especially among vulnerable groups.
From limited green spaces, strained public infrastructure and amenities, frequent flooding, overcrowding, to inadequate emergency services. Proposing interventions like enhancing infrastructure, creating water-sensitive parks, and designing stilt houses, along with participatory planning, regional collaboration, and effective risk communication, she aims to foster healthier urban communities.
Angela (MUD student) received the HFC Fellowship Award 2023
"I am deeply grateful and honored to have received the award! This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable guidance and support of my lecturers and fellow Master of Urban Design students. The award and the event provided a profound opportunity to delve into the rich legacy of Herb Feith, inspiring me to contribute to the collective awareness of social and environmental justice in Indonesia through my endeavors," said Angela.
Meanwhile, Muliadi conducted research about Indonesia's mental health policies, specifically focusing on the eradication of pasung (shackles) and its implications for public health. It highlights the need for reform and compares Indonesia's efforts with global best practices. The study emphasizes the enactment of key legislation, but also identifies challenges in policy dissemination and community engagement. It proposes a multifaceted strategy for improvement, including political support, robust legal frameworks, awareness campaigns, and international collaborations.
Muliadi (MPH student) received the HFC Fellowship Award 2023
"Receiving the Herb Feith Award has been a profoundly motivating and affirming experience, recognizing the significance of my efforts to address a pressing public health issue in Indonesia. This accolade honors the dedication and hard work invested in the research and highlights the urgent need for continued advocacy and reform in mental health care policies," stated Muliadi.
The panel discussion further enriched the audience's understanding of the challenges and support systems within the PhD journey at Monash University, Indonesia. Assistant Professor (Research) Yulisna Mutia Sari, a newly graduated Monash PhD alum, shared her experience of completing her dissertation amidst the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her testimony highlighted the crucial role played by Monash University in providing comprehensive support to promote the well-being of their research scholars.
“It is possible to do the PhD, even when your supervisor is not in your area. And I got wonderful support from Monash with my wellbeing,” said Dr. Yulisna.
Associate Professor Narelle Warren, an experienced PhD supervisor, reminded the audience that behind the success stories of Monash PhD alumni, there may be personal struggles, emphasizing each individual faces unique circumstances. Her words served as a reminder that while the PhD journey is exciting, it can also be challenging, requiring resilience and perseverance.
Natalino Mella playing Sasando, traditional music instrument from East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Adding a touch of cultural enchantment, Natalino Mella, an accomplished young sasando musician and Australia Awards recipient, graced the Gala attendees with a mesmerizing performance. Flying all the way from East Nusa Tenggara, Mella's Sasando performance captivated the audience, leaving an indelible impression.
Among the Gala attendees was Henrico from Perth, Australia. Henrico, who found news about the Gala the event from social media, said: “The event was very well run, had great speakers and was very informative about Monash’s PhD program.”
The Herb Feith Graduate Research Gala 2023 proved to be a momentous occasion, blending academic insights, celebration of achievements, and cultural appreciation. It served as an inspiration to prospective students, highlighting the transformative power of research, the importance of supportive relationships, and the dedication required to excel in academia. Monash University's commitment to nurturing research scholars and fostering a vibrant intellectual community shone through this remarkable event.
“We look forward to turning the Gala into an annual event,” Assistant Professor Sabina Puspita, Deputy Director of the Monash Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement said. She added, “with more discussion sessions about the latest research on social justice in Indonesia. The sessions will engage not only prospective and current students, but also emerging and established researchers at Monash and beyond.”
About PhD Program
At Monash University, Indonesia, we are proud to offer a diverse range of academic programs, including our esteemed PhD program. If you are passionate about pursuing advanced research and expanding the boundaries of knowledge, we encourage you to explore the possibilities of our PhD program.
For more information or to express your interest, please feel free to email us at MI-Research@monash.edu or visit our dedicated PhD page to learn more about the exciting opportunities that await you. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant academic community.