Special PhD Scholar Seminar: Policy Making in Indonesia
The ANU Indonesia Project’s 60th anniversary celebrations commenced with a Special PhD Scholar Seminar on Policy Making in Indonesia. The seminar brought together emerging scholars whose work explores the complex and evolving dynamics of Indonesia’s governance and development.
The discussion opened with Gita Putri Damayana, who examined Indonesia’s regulatory framework and the institutional structures that continue to shape policymaking in the country. Her presentation highlighted the academic draft function as a space for evidence-based lawmaking. Following this, Joshua Walker offered a sociological perspective on Indonesia’s energy transition, focusing in particular on the development of electric vehicle (EV) policy. He underscored the social and political dimensions of technological change, drawing attention to Indonesia’s policy dilemma. The final presentation came from Dyah Pritadrajati, who explored Indonesian social policy from an economic standpoint, emphasising the importance of policy design, labour markets, and lessons from unconditional cash transfers.
Each of the three presentations was followed by thoughtful questions and reflections from the audience, creating a lively exchange of ideas that enriched the seminar. The session was chaired by Professor Ed Aspinall, a distinguished scholar of Indonesian politics at ANU, who guided the discussion and underscored the significance of engaging with new perspectives in Indonesian studies.
As the first event of the anniversary celebrations, the seminar reflected the ANU Indonesia Project’s enduring mission: to support rigorous scholarship, foster dialogue across disciplines, and nurture the next generation of Indonesianists. The energy and depth of the discussion set an inspiring tone for the days of celebration that followed.