Post-reform social change in Indonesia did not suddenly contribute to social sciences development. Social scientists seemed not responsive to the change to produce new social theories to explain social reality today.
“Academically, social change toward democracy should become inspiration to create new social theories,†said a sociology expert of UGM, Prof. Dr. Heru Nugroho, in a discussion entitled “Selo Sumardjan’s Big Thinking and the Death of Social Science in Indonesiaâ€, Wednesday (24/2), held in Seminar Room, UGM Graduate School.
According to Heru Nugroho, the missing of Indonesian distinctive social theories was caused by the tendency of social scientists in this country that is more oriented to classical and contemporary western theories and methods.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Sunyoto Usman mentioned the different condition in 1950’s when social scientist at that time -Prof. Dr. Selo Soemardjan- made a research on social change in Javanese society in Yogyakarta . His idea needs to be brought up again to understand and explain more complex and various social changes today.
According to Sunyoto, the social change is indicated by networking life or generally called as networking society, interconnection and social interaction that transcends place and time borders.
Director of Graduate School of UGM Dr. Hartono, D.E.A., D.E.S.S., in his opening speech said that Selo Sumardjan’s idea should be implemented. “That idea can solve social problems,†he said.
Hartono also explained that UGM Graduate School would continue to hold discussion on Indonesian figures’ ideas, such as Prof. Dr. Sudjatmoko and Prof. Dr. T. Jacob, to be made role model for the young generation.