The world is confronted with a range of crises, from global warming and economic inequality to digital technology risks that may pave the way for oligarchic dominance. To better understand these conditions, scholars emphasized the need for theoretical developments that are not solely rational but also incorporate emotional dimensions in scientific inquiry.
These insights emerged during the International Conference on Social Resilience and Peace at the 13th International Graduate Students and Scholars’ Conference in Indonesia (IGSSCI), held at the Seminar Room of the UGM Graduate School (SPs UGM) on Wednesday (Nov. 5).
Hosted by SPs UGM, the conference featured speakers including Professor Frans Wijsen from the UGM Graduate School’s CRCS Program; Professor Mike Featherstone, sociologist from the University of London; Professor M. Mohtar Mas’oed, senior scholar from the UGM Department of International Relations; Professor Takenouchi Hirobumi from Shizuoka University, Japan; and Dr. Soonjung Kwon from George Mason University.
Professor Frans Wijsen stated that Indonesia, like the global community, faces ecological challenges rooted locally yet bearing global consequences. Environmental crises such as water, air, and soil pollution; forest fires; mining activities; and excessive fertilizer and pesticide use are major drivers of environmental degradation.
Large-scale deforestation for plantation development further accelerates climate change. In addition, Indonesia is known as a significant contributor to plastic waste that ends up in the oceans.
“Local wisdom can in fact offer solutions, although substantial adaptation is required,” he said.
Professor Mike Featherstone noted that addressing environmental crises and strengthening social resilience to create global peace requires empathy and reflective engagement in analyzing societal change.
Meanwhile, Professor M. Mohtar Mas’oed discussed practices of civil society collaboration. He highlighted the work of Gita Pertiwi in Surakarta in addressing pesticide misuse that threatens human health and the environment.
He elaborated that Gita Pertiwi collaborates with national and international networks to promote integrated pest management, provide farmer education, and support digital technology–based public reporting.
He also highlighted Rifka Annisa’s community collaboration efforts to address gender-based violence in Yogyakarta, demonstrating that peacebuilding must emphasize social justice.
Dr. Soonjung Kwon stressed that education can serve as a collective solution to the enduring collective trauma in Korea caused by the Korean War and colonialism. However, teachers’ role in promoting peace is often hindered by political education standards that demand classroom neutrality.
“Education functions as a space for dialogue to bridge differences in perspective and discuss peace-related issues for both teachers and students,” Dr. Kwon said.
Professor Takenouchi Hirobumi presented ideas on building communities capable of accepting loss and death. In Japan, he has spent more than a decade involved in the city planning of Matsuzaki, aiming to develop it as a model “gratitude-centered” and caring town.
“The population is about five thousand, and I established an association called Compassion and Dialogue,” he explained.
The international conference served as a platform for scholars and experts to discuss issues of social resilience and peace.
Professor Siti Malkhamah, Dean of SPs UGM, expressed her appreciation for the participation of more than 100 researchers, academics, and students from various countries at the 13th IGSSCI.
She emphasized that the conference provides a space for dialogue while reflecting the Graduate School’s commitment to advancing a globally oriented vision grounded in local values.
Authors: Hanifah and Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: Freepik