Conference to focus on understanding Indonesia
Religion, terrorism, and human rights will be discussed when international experts gather at Charles Darwin University next week for a conference focusing on Indonesia.
The “Understanding Indonesia: Language and Identity Conference and Language Workshops” will bring together academics, researchers, teachers, and students to consider topics such as politics, history, anthropology, religion, law, governance and education.
Expert in Indonesian politics and language Dr Nathan Franklin said the first day of the conference would bring together academics, while the second day would be educational and practical with a range of workshops open to the wider community.
“The event will showcase Darwin’s connections to Indonesia through history, politics, education, language and culture, and include presentations on Islam, local governance, human rights, terrorism and issues of freedom of religion in Indonesia,” he said.
“We are hoping to facilitate informative exchanges on different perspectives, interests and ideas that will add to our understanding of what Indonesia may mean for people today, particularly in Northern Australia.”
With research interests in Indonesian politics, mainstream Islamic movements, radical jihadi movements, and Indonesian language and culture, Dr Franklin will present his paper “Abu Bakar Ba’asyir: Messages to the Masses, from JI to IS”.
“Islamic preacher Abu Bakar Ba’asyir continues to make media headlines around the world despite being in prison,” he said. “He has shown a consistent pattern of involvement in or support for militant jihadi organisations aiming to establish an Islamic state governed by shari’ah law.”
Dr Franklin’s paper will look at Abu Bakar Ba’asyir’s religious messages promoting shari’ah law, jihad, and martyrdom, as well as his denunciation of infidels, local law enforcement agencies, Indonesian governments, and rules and laws that violate shari’ah law.
The second day of the conference, featuring Indonesian language workshops is open to teachers, students and the public.
“On the Saturday the conference will be educational and practical, focusing on the Indonesian language through a range of workshops to help people better use and comprehend Indonesian,” he said.
The Understanding Indonesia: Language and Identity Conference and Language Workshops will be held from June 17 to 18 in building Blue 1.1.01, CDU Casuarina campus. The conference is free of charge. To register visit W: cdu.edu.au/conference/indonesia/