Governance and Development Conference
in Padang highlights new research relationships
with Indonesia.

Deakin University researchers have had close and productive working relationships with Indonesian researchers for over two decades.

Professor Damien Kingsbury’s research in Aceh led to his pivotal role in the brokering of the peace deal in Helsinki that ended over 30 years of hostility between the Indonesian Government and the independence movement or GAM.

In addition to his role as a renowned novelist in Indonesia, Associate Professor Ismet Fanany has worked with Professor Sue Kenny on several research projects, including an investigation of capacity-building in Islamic non-government organisations and a study of the reconstruction of post-tsunami Aceh.

Dr Joost Cote’s research on colonial culture and postcolonial identities is at the leading edge of examinations of the colonial period in Indonesia.

Last December, these extensive collaborations between Deakin University and non-government and academic organisations reached another milestone with the highly successful international conference held in Padang.

The conference, which attracted more than 400 delegates, was jointly sponsored by Deakin, the State University of Padang (Universitas Negeri Padang, UNP); Andalas University (Universitas Andalas); and the Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Imam Bonjol.

Perhaps the most exciting outcome of the conference was the launch of the Australia Indonesia Research Institute. At a well attended meeting chaired by Professor Jennifer Radbourne, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education, a plan of action for the establishment and structure of the research institute was agreed to. Key Indonesian researchers will visit Deakin University in February to finalise a research agenda and develop new collaborative research projects.

Participants at the conference included academics from universities in many parts of Indonesia and the region, Indonesian Government members, (including the Minister for the Interior, Dr Gamawan Fauzi), Indonesian government officials, senior national public administrators, including the Director General of Education, Fasli Jalal, local government officials and 60 Deakin University academic staff. These included Deakin’s DVC (Research), Professor Lee Astheimer.

“Our academics have many research partnerships in Asia, especially in India and China and now, we are developing very strong ties with Indonesia,” Professor Astheimer said.

“These ties enrich the connections between people and countries as well as resulting in interesting and meaningful research outcomes.”

The Conference showcased current and recent research on the themes of governance, education and development, focussing on research of relevance to Australia, Indonesia and the region. The Conference provided a forum for the establishment of new government, academic and industry research networks.

“The general buzz of the Conference, the warm collegiality amongst the international and local participants and the eager discussion during and after paper presentations, demonstrated the potential for extending our collaborative research on comparative studies of our region,” said Professor Kenny.

Papers and panels covered a range of topics around the Conference themes, including issues in development like:

• climate change
• post-disaster reconstruction
• education
• democracy and good governance
• health and health policy
• conflict and conflict resolution
• regional autonomy
• local economics
• micro-finance.

In her keynote address, Professor Graciela Chichilnisky, from the Columbia University in New York, presented the case for using what she identifies as ‘ecological pricing’ as the basis for achieving ‘green growth’.

Professor Anthony Reid, another keynote speaker from the Australian National University, considered how historians have been largely silent on the role of natural events and disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. To illustrate the methodological implications of acknowledging natural events, Professor Reid highlighted how the history of Sumatra can be re-examined by linking geographical and historical research.

Deakin researchers identified some of the new development challenges facing Indonesia. 

“For example, Chad Foulkes considered the existing and potential role of deliberative democracy in the new forms governance in Indonesia arising from the structures of regional autonomy,” said Professor Kenny, who also discussed the changing nature of development and development interventions in post-Suharto Indonesia.

Professor Kingsbury reviewed issues of good governance, accountability and development in Aceh since the election of the first genuine democratically chosen government in that province. 

“Other issues requiring examination were identified at a dinner for Deakin researchers hosted by the Mayor of Padang,” Professor Kenny said.

“There is an urgent need for research into local governance issues, aquaculture, micro-finance and local tourism potential.

“During the Conference participants spoke about the need for studies of best practice in humanitarian aid and international community development and the best ways of developing the region of West Sumatra. 

“Discussions with researchers at Andalas University identified the need for research into innovations in nutrition, nursing and public health.”

The Conference also provided an occasion for the launch of two important books:

• Post-Disaster Reconstruction: Lesson from Aceh, edited by Matthew Clarke, Ismet Fanany and Sue Kenny and a landmark history of Sumatra 
• Menuju Sejarah Sumatra, a landmark history of Sumatra by Anthony Reid

There was also the launch of a timely new journal Aksara: A Journal of Modern Indonesian Literature, which will be edited by Ismet Fanany, Hasanuddin WS and Rebecca Fanany.

Overall, 78 abstracts were accepted for presentation at the Conference. The Conference program included five keynote addresses, 60 parallel paper presentation sessions, eight panel sessions and one workshop. 

As part of capacity building for research, Professor Ruth Rentschler ran a very successful one day Doctoral Symposium, which was attended by 105 participants. 

“The Conference attendance numbers and the high profile keynote speakers provided an opportunity for a significant level of exposure for Deakin University, both within Indonesia and in the region generally,” Professor Kenny said.

“In addition to discussions of existing and potential research projects, Deakin staff met with Indonesian counterparts to discuss collaboration on research training.

“A number of fruitful partnerships were initiated, including collaboration on research degrees concerning health, health policy and nursing.”

Media wishing to speak with Professor Sue Kenny should contact:
Sandra Kingston | Media Coordinator | Deakin University
Burwood Campus
221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3120
Tel +61 3 9246 8221| Mobile 0422 005 485

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