Breaking the Boundaries as an Internship Student: My Journey to Present at a Southeast Asian International Forum

Breaking the Boundaries as an Internship Student: My Journey to Present at a Southeast Asian International Forum

By Muhammad Lutfi Assidiqi

Attending the Consultative Meeting on Development of SEAMEO-ASEAN Joint Roadmap on Early Childhood Care and Education in Southeast Asia and Policy Brief on Early Childhood Development Services as a presenter, especially to present the draft policy brief that my team and I worked on during our time as interns at SEAMEO CECCEP, was a very valuable and rare experience for an intern. In this meeting, I stood in front of Governing Board (GB) members of Southeast Asian countries as well as representatives of international NGOs such as UNICEF EAPRO, Tanoto Foundation, UNESCO Indonesia, and others. This was not just a presentation, but a pivotal moment in my career where my voice was heard in prestigious forums.

As an intern, I realized that this kind of opportunity is rare. The stereotype of interns as "beginners" who only carry out small tasks, I do not feel at all at SEAMEO CECCEP. Instead of being ignored, my ideas are heard and appreciated, as if I were an integral part of a professional team. This experience encouraged me to continue to explore the material that I had learned from Dr. Lukman in the Education Policy Analysis class. The practice of writing policy briefs based on The Eightfold Path from Bardach that I learned during the lectures proved to be an important provision in completing my job at SEAMEO CECCEP.

I feel very lucky and grateful to the Faculty of Education, UIII, for facilitating the Independent Study Program and matching me with a very supportive internship place. An internship at SEAMEO CECCEP has not only provided me with significant professional experience, but also a space that has supported my personal and academic development. This opportunity has opened my eyes to the importance of an education that connects theory with real practice, and the important of having an environment that supports and rewards every contribution, regardless of status.

By this experience, I reflected on how important and invaluable this kind of opportunity is for a college student. Not only provide real experience in the field of education policy, but also build confidence to contribute in the international level. Of course, with the willingness to keep learning and the desire to keep trying to have a positive impact, as my team and I have done by drafting a policy brief on early childhood development services for the Southeast Asian region.

by Bambang Sumintono

A Deeper Understanding of Critical Feminist Methodology

A Deeper Understanding of Critical Feminist Methodology

October 14, 2024

Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: M. Sufyan As-Tsauri

Depok, October 3, 2024 — The UIII Faculty of Education held a thought-provoking public lecture on Thursday, October 3, featuring Prof. Nina Nurmila, Dean of the Faculty of Education. Speaking to a packed audience in Theater Hall Faculty A, Prof. Nurmila explored the intricacies of critical feminist methodology, a vital yet often debated aspect of modern research.

Prof. Nina Nurmila is a distinguished Professor of Gender and Islamic Studies. She earned her MA from Murdoch University in 1997 and a PhD from the University of Melbourne in 2007. Her academic journey includes prestigious roles such as a Fulbright Visiting Researcher at Temple University in Philadelphia in 2000, an Endeavour Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Technology, Sydney, in 2008, and a Fulbright Visiting Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Redlands, California, from 2008 to 2009.

Prof. Nurmila began by addressing ongoing debates from the 1990s over whether feminist methodology stands as a distinct research paradigm and methodology. She pointed out that opponents have argued against its independence, suggesting that feminist methodologies lack a unique perspective and draw heavily from established paradigms like Marxism and critical theory. Others contend that feminist approaches lack coherence due to the diverse perspectives within feminism itself.

However, Prof. Nurmila presented a compelling case for recognizing feminist methodology as unique, emphasizing its intentional rejection of male-dominated research paradigms. “Feminist researchers prioritize women’s perspectives and their societal positions, presenting a contrast to traditional methodologies focused primarily on male experiences,” she explained. She further noted that feminist research introduces a unique lens for understanding the world, often centered around the impact of patriarchy.

The criteria that define feminist methodology, as presented by Prof. Nurmila, include examining issues through a female prism, in which women are both the focus and interpreters of inquiry. Feminist methodology also encourages “consciousness raising,” a quality described as the advantage that female researchers have in understanding women’s experiences from within an “oppressed group.” She added that this “double vision” enables feminist researchers to empathize deeply and interpret their findings more accurately.

Highlighting her own work, Prof. Nurmila referenced several examples of feminist research, including her publications like “Women, Islam, and Everyday Life” (Routledge, 2009) and an article examining husband-wife dynamics (Al-Jamia’ah: Journal of Islamic Studies, 2013). She reflected on how feminist methodology shapes her qualitative research, occasionally integrating quantitative data while retaining a feminist analytical lens.

In her conclusion, Prof. Nurmila discussed how feminist methodologies transform traditional academic language structures, shifting from objective, passive language to more subjective, active voice. She also emphasized the importance of non-gender-biased language, advocating for inclusive terms such as “human power” rather than “manpower”.

Prof. Nurmila’s lecture left the audience with a deeper understanding of critical feminist methodology and its transformative impact on research. Through her insights, she highlighted the importance of inclusivity and empowerment within academia, calling on future researchers to consider feminist perspectives in fostering societal progress.  The event exemplified UIII’s commitment to fostering an environment open to new perspectives in research, welcoming research paradigms, methodologies, and methods that advocate for societal change and scholarly diversity.

source: https://uiii.ac.id/events/read/57698/a-deeper-understanding-of-critical-feminist-methodology

by Bambang Sumintono

Happy World Mental Health Day from UIII

Happy World Mental Health Day from UIII

October 10, 2024

By A/Prof. Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti, Ph.D*

The recent increase in student suicide cases highlights significant issues within the educational system. These cases may represent the tip of the iceberg of many intricate psychological challenges within the educational setting that have been overlooked and lack effective comprehensive solutions. To be frank, one of the vulnerable populations most likely to experience mental health problems is university students.

In 2023, over three-quarters of college students (76%) experienced moderate to serious psychological distress, with 36% of students diagnosed with anxiety, 31% meeting the criteria for suicidal ideation, and 13% having intentionally injured themselves within the year (American College Health Association, 2023). In Indonesia, it has been reported that mental disorders now often occur in the 18–25-year age group. This phenomenon is closely related to students, including college students, with about 64% of the younger generation experiencing anxiety problems, while 61.5% of them have symptoms of depression (Kemdikbud.go.id, 2023).

Serious mental health issues can affect our relationships, career, and long-term goals, including our studies, such as struggling with academic demands, adjustment issues, and managing various responsibilities. Thus, it is crucial to create a positive, safe, and supportive environment where students do not solely focus on being the best of the best in academic matters, which might lead them to become super competitive and ambitious individuals, and further, narcissistic. On top of that, it is essential to foster students and remind them that each of them is unique with different potential. As a consequence, campuses must rethink their approach (American Psychological Association, 2022). Educational institutions need to provide counseling services on campus that are equipped with counselors and psychologists who are trained to support students in need.

For students and those who have concerns, there are two things we can do at the very least to maintain mental health:

1. First and foremost, you must be able to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings.  

We can’t control what’s coming to us, but we can control our response. As part of controlling our response, let’s accept our emotions, because all feelings (all emotions) are valid. Pain is a unique human experience. Don’t deny your feelings just because we don’t want to be called overly sensitive or ‘baper.’ We have the right to own it.

You may then select from a variety of responses that best suit your reaction. You have the option to avoid, modify, adapt, or simply accept the situation. In other words, allow yourself some space. Once you achieve mental clarity, your emotions will become more stable, enabling you to manage the circumstances more effectively.

2. Practice self-care, which means caring for yourself.  

It includes anything we do to keep ourselves healthy — physically, mentally, and spiritually. It can be giving yourself a break that doesn’t cost anything, such as taking a walk, getting enough sleep, praying, reflecting, listening to audiobooks, meeting up with friends and family, and having a good laugh. Talking to someone, including a professional, is also part of self-care. Among so many things you can do, remind yourself to always be kind. You can be in pain but still be kind to others.

To conclude, everyone is struggling with their own mental health, including you and me. But we always have a choice to solve our problems. And we know, this too shall pass. Thus, keep embracing our values, be kind, and make space for ourselves.

One day we will say ... 'It was hard, but we made it.'

________________

*) A/Prof. Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti, Ph.D, is a mental health advocate and lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII)

source: https://uiii.ac.id/perspectives/read/57695/happy-world-mental-health-day-from-uiii

by Bambang Sumintono

Garuda and Eagle: A Mexican Student’s Reflection on State Symbols at Indonesia’s Parliament

Garuda and Eagle: A Mexican Student’s Reflection on State Symbols at Indonesia’s Parliament

October 06, 2024

Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika

It was a bright morning on September 24, 2024, when 15 students from Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), led by the International Office and Student Affairs, boarded a bus for a special visit to the Indonesian Parliament Office and House of Representatives (DPR-MPR RI) in Central Jakarta. They were attending the OIC International Youth Summit, an event organized by OIC Youth Indonesia.

Among the students was Alberto Emmanuel Conti Morales, a PhD candidate from Mexico studying at UIII’s Faculty of Education. For him, this was not just an opportunity to engage in critical discussions but also a journey through culture and symbols that stirred deep reflections on identity and nationhood.

"The place is very nice, appealing, and interesting. I never thought we would be in such a formal and important setting. I had expected something more informal, so I was pleasantly surprised," he shared, marveling at the grandeur of the building, as they arrived at Gedung Nusantara V of the parliament office.

Having visited the Mexican Parliament ten years prior, Alberto found himself comparing the two structures. "In Mexico, the parliament building is bigger, but this one feels more modern. Perhaps it's because a decade has passed since my last visit. But what really caught my attention was the difference in the atmosphere, the Indonesian parliament seems to reflect a deep sense of national pride."

Alberto was especially captivated by the Indonesian national symbols. As he sat in the parliament, his eyes were drawn to the imposing Garuda emblem, a reminder of Indonesia’s foundational values.

"In Mexico, we have a national seal too, an eagle with a snake. It’s very similar to Indonesia’s Garuda in terms of strength and symbolism. But in Indonesia, the Garuda represents more than just a national identity. It embodies the spirit of Pancasila, the philosophical foundation of the country. I found that deeply fascinating because it highlighted how much meaning Indonesians place on their symbols,” he said.

The summit Alberto visited was an annual summit held by OIC Youth Indonesia, an organization aimed at empowering and uniting young Indonesians under the values of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It provides a platform for youth engagement on both national and international levels, promoting collaboration, leadership, and dialogue.

As the summit began, the room filled with the voices of youth leaders and speakers, all discussing the role of young people in shaping a post-OIC world. The conversation quickly turned to the importance of religion in civil society—a topic that resonated deeply with Alberto. As someone who hails from a country where religion is increasingly seen as a personal matter, he was struck by the Indonesian emphasis on faith as a core element of national unity and progress.

"The discussion was interesting, especially because of how central religion is to society here in Indonesia. In Mexico, religion is no longer a public matter; it has become something personal, something private. But here, it's clear that religion still plays a significant role in nation-building. It was eye-opening to see how much Indonesians rely on their faith in shaping their civil society," Alberto reflected.

For Alberto, the OIC International Youth Summit was more than just a political event—it was a mirror reflecting the values of a nation, a reminder of the power of symbols and faith in shaping identity. As he left the Indonesian parliament office with his fellow students, he carried with him not only the lessons from the summit but also a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of his host country, Indonesia.

source: https://uiii.ac.id/features/read/57689/garuda-and-eagle-a-mexican-students-reflection-on-state-symbols-at-indonesias-parliament

by Bambang Sumintono