Yogyakarta, 5 February 2026─The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the Social Research Center of the Department of Sociology, held a Public Discussion and Book Launch of the Peasant and Agrarian Change Study Series entitled “The Indonesian Farmer Regeneration Crisis and Transnational Agrarian Activism” today, Thursday (February 5) at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Auditorium.

Featuring Jun Borras (author of the books “The Political Dynamics of Transnational Agrarian Movements” and “Scholarly Activism & Agrarian Struggle”), Amalinda Savirani (Professor of the Department of Politics and Government, Universitas Gadjah Mada), Pitra Hutomo (Circle of Spatial Justice), Ben White (author of the book “Agriculture & Generational Problems”), and Oki Rahadianto Sutopo (Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Universitas Gadjah Mada), this discussion focused on in-depth perspectives on the dynamics of agrarian change in the context of the farmer regeneration crisis and the challenges of agrarian justice in Indonesia. read more

Jakarta, February 3, 2026—The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in online motorcycle taxi platforms has become a system that actively regulates, assesses, and disciplines drivers. Amidst the lack of algorithmic transparency and weak legal protection for platform workers, the Center for Digital Society (CfDS) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Pulitzer Center held an offline workshop at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Jakarta Campus on Tuesday (February 3). The workshop, titled “Strengthening the Role of Advocates in Addressing Algorithmic Inequality in Online Motorcycle Taxi Platforms in Indonesia,” aimed to bridge empirical research findings and investigative reporting with legal practice by strengthening the capacity of advocates and digital rights advocates to understand, critique, and challenge the algorithmic systems that shape working conditions in the platform economy. This event brought together academics, researchers, representatives from taxi and motorcycle taxi driver associations, and legal practitioners to discuss litigation pathways, regulatory gaps, and data-driven advocacy strategies. read more

The Institute of International Studies (IIS), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has released IIS Monthly Review #9 (January 2026), addressing key global dynamics shaping Indonesia’s position in international affairs. The publication covers issues ranging from foreign policy direction and AI geopolitics to evolving traditional and non-traditional security challenges amid rising great-power unilateralism.

In the Indonesia and the World section, the review highlights Indonesia’s strategic role in ASEAN amid increasingly transactional foreign policy trends. It emphasizes strengthening regional multilateralism to sustain Indonesia’s position as a de facto leader in Southeast Asia. read more

Yogyakarta, January 26, 2026—The Master of Communication Studies Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FISIPOL UGM), conducted a LAMSPAK Accreditation Field Assessment on Monday, January 26, 2026, in the Dean’s Meeting Room, BB 208. This activity is part of the ongoing effort to ensure quality and improve the quality of the study program.

The field assessment series began in the morning with an opening ceremony, introduction of the assessor panel, and the reading and signing of the Field Assessment Statement. The activity then continued with a confirmation session and data analysis involving the heads of the Study Program Management Unit (UPPS), Study Program leaders, lecturers, educational staff, students, and external stakeholders. read more

Mohammad Farid Budiono, a researcher from the Department of Social Development and Welfare at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, together with Prof. Susetiawan, has published a study examining state–community relations in rural electrification in Indonesia.

The study analyzes unequal contestations between the state and local communities in the implementation of rural electrification programs. Adopting a critical perspective, it shows that energy infrastructure development does not always align with community needs, but is often shaped by power relations, negotiation processes, and the marginalization of local voices.  read more

Yogyakarta, January 23, 2026—As an effort to encourage socio-economic empowerment of residents in the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the Department of Public Policy and Management (DPPM), has again deployed a community service team to Karanganom Hamlet, Sitimulyo Village, Piyungan District, Bantul Regency. For this activity, the DPPM Team partnered with the Ngudi Hasil Women’s Farmers Group (KWT) in a collaborative initiative involving lecturers and students from various levels, from Bachelor’s (S1), Master’s (S2), to Doctoral (S3). This academic synergy aims to provide comprehensive and sustainable support to the partner community. read more

Yogyakarta, January 22, 2026─The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) of  Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) sent off the National Capital Expedition Team on Wednesday (January 22) at the Faculty’s Dean’s Office. The team will conduct social research in Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Kalimantan, as part of the students’ academic contribution to development and environmental issues.

The IKN Expedition Team consists of 12 students from five study programs under the Faculty Student Activity Unit Sentrajana. During this expedition, the team will conduct social research in two villages: Pamaluan and Bumi Harapan, with a focus on understanding and identifying environmental issues arising from the development of the National Capital area on the surrounding community. In addition to social research, the team will also conduct various educational campaigns to raise public awareness and concern for the importance of environmental sustainability. read more

Yogyakarta, January 19, 2026—The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FISIPOL UGM), through its commitment to strengthening the research and community service ecosystem, has launched the 2026 Research Grant (HIBAH) Program. Beginning with an online socialization event on Monday (January 19), the Research, Publication, and Community Service Unit (UP3M) presented the latest scheme for the Grant, Facilitation, and Other Funding Program for the 2026 Fiscal Year.

This program, which has been running continuously since 2014, is aimed at lecturers, researchers, and students to encourage the development of quality proposals that contribute to strengthening scientific knowledge and social impact within FISIPOL UGM. FISIPOL UGM continues to evaluate and update its implementation year after year. read more

Yulida Pangastuti, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has published an international journal article titled “The Micropolitics of Care in Indonesia’s Neoliberal Universities” in Asian Studies Review. 

The study explores practices of care within Indonesian higher education amid the rise of neoliberal governance, which prioritizes performance, productivity, and measurable outputs. Using a feminist perspective and qualitative methods, it highlights how empathy, attention, and care work among academics are often marginalized despite their crucial role in sustaining healthy academic environments.  read more

Yogyakarta, January 5, 2026─The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (Fisipol UGM), held a briefing and farewell event for the Fisipol Mengajar (Education Rehabilitation Volunteer Program) in Aceh on Monday (5/1). The Fisipol Mengajar program is an initiative of Fisipol UGM to contribute to post-disaster education recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Aceh. The program is fully supported by the university and is implemented in collaboration with the Sukma Foundation as a strategic partner. Twelve Fisipol UGM student volunteers will be deployed and placed in two different regions: Bireuen and Pidie Jaya. The twelve students will volunteer for 30 days, from January 10 to February 8, 2026. read more