Four hundred fifty-three academics and international organization activists from 50 countries participated in the 20th International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM) Conference, which took place at UGM from Jan. 21 to 23.
The biennial conference, “Forced Displacement in an Urbanizing World,” was held in response to issues regarding forced migration, which is prevalent in countries such as Myanmar, Palestine, and Indonesia.
“Indonesia is one of the countries with a significant potential for natural disaster threats,” said Professor Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, a researcher at the Research Center for Politics, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
During her keynote speech at the IASFM opening at Grha Sabha Pramana on Tuesday (Jan. 21), she emphasized that forced migration is necessary to ensure public safety.
According to Professor Pudjiastuti, forced migration has a long history in Southeast Asia. She mentioned three historical periods of forced migration in Southeast Asia, with the situation worsening since the Andaman Sea crisis.
To this day, every continent tends to implement defensive and uncooperative policies to protect its interests.
“Forced migration occurs due to the lack of legal and proper protection in fulfilling humanitarian needs,” she explained.
Dr. Queqo Ahimsam, an academic and researcher from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, said that he is researching international migration and has found that many countries have politically oriented policies toward becoming anti-immigrant nations.
“People are being forced to leave and relocate from their homes,” he said.
Dr. Realisa Darathea Masardi, a lecturer in the Department of Anthropology, emphasized that this international conference is expected to strengthen academic efforts to address forced migration issues.
“As a leading research university, Universitas Gadjah Mada must encourage academics to collaborate with activists and organizations related to forced migration,” she said.
According to her, the results of this conference should serve academic purposes and raise awareness among the Indonesian public.
The ultimate goal of this event is to broaden understanding, potentially influencing government policies that remain non-inclusive towards refugees in Indonesia.
“I believe this conference is intended to amplify unheard voices to reach the government,” she hoped.
In her welcoming remarks, UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia expressed her appreciation to the academics, researchers, and international organization activists who spoke and attended the conference.
“It is an honor for Universitas Gadjah Mada to host the 20th IASFM. I would also like to extend my thanks to all parties who supported the success of this conference,” she said.
The rector further stated that Universitas Gadjah Mada is committed to advancing knowledge through contemporary research, which will positively impact policy development and provide a platform for migrant voices to be heard.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Lazuardi