Over 1,500 researchers and academics from 43 countries are participating in the international Association for Asian Studies (AAS)-in-Asia conference titled “Global Asias: Latent Histories, Manifest Impacts,” held from July 9 to 11 at the UGM campus.
In her opening speech at the AAS in Asia conference at Grha Sabha Pramana on Tuesday (Jul. 9), the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed that UGM is honored to be the first Indonesian institution to host the AAS conference in Asia.
“We appreciate UGM being chosen as the conference host with the theme ‘Global Asias: Latent Histories, Manifest Impacts,’ which is a strong reminder of UGM’s role in Indonesia, Asia, and beyond,” she said.
According to the rector, UGM’s strategic location in Asia is advantageous as Asia is home to some of the world’s earliest civilizations. Their indigenous cultures have been the source of many practices that have become integral to society over centuries, such as agriculture, urban planning, and religion. This continent’s social and political geography continues to influence the entire world.
On the other hand, the rector stated that Asia’s rich culture and abundant natural resources have attracted various interests, placing Asia at the heart of global conflicts and where societies learn about peacebuilding and resilience.
As one of the most dynamically developing regions in the world, history records that Asia has been a site of intense strategic competition among major countries.
“Today, the issue of colonialism may be far behind us. However, the 21st century has brought contemporary problems never imagined by our ancestors. The massive exploitation of natural resources for economic growth has endangered the earth,” she said.
Additionally, the impacts of climate change are becoming more apparent in the form of rising global temperatures and sea levels, coastal erosion, higher storm surges, and loss of biodiversity. These natural imbalances trigger a snowball effect on all aspects of life, including health, education, poverty, and other areas stated as sustainable development goals.
The rector also touched on Asia’s increasing political and economic prominence, which comes with risks of conflict and environmental burdens. Therefore, the AAS in Asia conference connects scholars with shared concerns.
While all academics are undoubtedly leading figures in their fields, this conference provides a platform to bring together various disciplines and perspectives to achieve a comprehensive approach to advancing humanity.
“We hope that the cultural atmosphere of Yogyakarta will inspire conference participants to strengthen their commitment to work together, enhancing the impact of our work towards sustainable living,” the rector said.
Speaking to reporters, the President of AAS, Professor Hyaeweol Choi from the University of Iowa, USA, explained that UGM was chosen as the host because Indonesia, in general, is a very strategic location for studies in Asia. Additionally, as an educational city, Yogyakarta is a place for producing and distributing new knowledge.
“It makes perfect sense to hold the conference here, at the center of a dynamic intellectual community, so I think this is the right choice,” she said.
As President of AAS, Professor Choi emphasized that the AAS in Asia conference is essential for scholars in Asia and other countries to share the latest and cutting-edge knowledge.
Additionally, it is essential to consider the future for a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence, as we face many crises, including environmental issues, democracy, and socio-economic disparities.
“So, we all who are educated here, we all discuss all contemporary issues based on historical and contemporary agendas,” she said.
Before this conference, Professor Choi, who is on the program committee, selected proposals from panelists and speakers, and she was impressed with the cutting-edge research.
“I am very impressed with this field’s high-quality, cutting-edge research. In many ways, I think the North America-centered academic structure will change because Asia has become a growing but dynamic intellectual community. I believe this conference will be one example of why we are holding it in Asia, to make it more accessible to Asian scholars,” Professor Choi explained.
Meanwhile, Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching at UGM, Professor Wening Udasmoro, as the organizing committee chair, stated that for three days, researchers and academics involved in this conference would discuss issues of immigration, environmental sustainability, mobility, and borders, which are current issues in the social humanities field.
“They will also discuss issues of disability and inclusivity, which are relevant to what UGM is currently doing,” she said.
As known, over 1,500 academics, students, artists, and practitioners from 43 countries will participate in this international conference. Participants from these 43 countries include the United States, China, Japan, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Australia.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto