Andi Alfian, an alumnus of the Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies program at the UGM Graduate School (SPs UGM), has achieved international recognition by winning the Best Graduate Student Paper Award 2025 at the international conference “Crossing Borders, Transgressing Boundaries: Religion, Migration, and Climate Change.”
The conference, organized by the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture (ISSRNC), was held at the University of California, Santa Barbara, United States, from Jun. 23 to 27, 2025. Alfian received the award for his paper titled Decolonizing Human–Animal Relations in Indonesia: Insights from the Bara, Cindakko, and Tobalo Indigenous Peoples of Sulawesi.
“This paper was recognized by the review committee for offering a fresh analysis of human–animal relations in the context of Indigenous communities in Indonesia, particularly in Sulawesi,” said Alfian at UGM on Tuesday (Jul. 8).
He explained that his research highlights local practices that are often marginalized in global academic discourse, while also presenting them through a critical decolonial theoretical lens. This award, he added, shows the quality of research produced by young scholars from Universitas Gadjah Mada on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Alfian hopes to continue producing scholarly work that brings local Indonesian knowledge into global academic conversations.
“I hope this recognition will inspire more young Indonesian researchers to be more diligent and confident in developing international academic discourse through local perspectives,” he said.
Alfian also expressed his gratitude that his research impressed Professor Mary Keller, Chair of the Award Review Committee. According to Professor Keller, Alfian’s paper reinforces the role of Indigenous practice studies within the broader discourse of decolonization.
“This paper advances the study of indigenous practices as part of a broader decolonial effort for fostering planetary awareness,” she remarked.
In her view, Alfian’s ideas are both theoretically rich and practically grounded, successfully demonstrating how Indigenous human–animal relationships can provide critical insight into the climate crisis and the systemic oppression faced by many communities today.
Her admiration grew after watching the official award announcement video, where Alfian rejected the excessive romanticization of how Indigenous peoples view their world, particularly in their treatment of animals. Instead, he explored the ecological complexity of human–animal relationships in ritual practices that are far more intricate than often perceived.
“By using a comparative and detailed approach, Andi Alfian guides readers to see the world within worlds,” said Professor Keller, who teaches Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Wyoming.
Author: Agung Nugroho