Makassar, May 19, 2025 — In a significant step toward deepening academic collaboration and addressing regional issues of conflict and peacebuilding, The Research Group (TRG) on Peace, Conflict, and Democracy at Hasanuddin University held a virtual coordination meeting with its research partner from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Conducted via Microsoft Teams, the meeting took place on Monday, May 19, 2025, and focused on synchronizing the timeline, scope, and strategic direction of their joint research project.
The meeting was led by Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, MA, head of the TRG team and a noted scholar in peace and conflict studies. Also present was Dr. Muhammad Febriansyah from Universiti Sains Malaysia, who serves as a core collaborator on the project. Members of the TRG team—comprising interdisciplinary faculty and researchers—also took part in the discussion.
Aligning Timelines and Exploring Complexities of Conflict in Southeast Asia
The main purpose of the meeting was to finalize the research project timeline, ensuring all phases of the study are clearly outlined—from early preparation, field data collection, analysis, to dissemination. Participants also deliberated on the fieldwork schedule, agreeing on data collection to be conducted in Makassar, Indonesia, and Penang, Malaysia.
In addition to technical planning, the meeting offered an important platform for a substantive exchange of ideas regarding the different characteristics of conflict in both countries. Dr. Febriansyah observed that conflicts in Malaysia are generally less diverse and of smaller scale, often revolving around ethnic, religious, or land-related disputes. In contrast, Indonesia’s conflict landscape is more complex, frequent, and larger in scale, with roots in political, ethnic, and resource-based tensions.
“Understanding these contrasts will allow us to better design a comparative framework that highlights both unique and shared factors in community-based conflict resolution,” said Dr. Febriansyah.
Prof. Dwia responded by emphasizing the importance of such comparative perspectives, noting that the research could inform more context-sensitive policy recommendations tailored to the distinct needs of each society.
Building Institutional Bridges for Future Cooperation
Another key theme in the meeting was the prospect of long-term institutional collaboration between the Center for Peace, Conflict, and Democracy at Hasanuddin University and the Peace Studies Center at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to strengthening this academic bridge, not only through this project but also through future initiatives such as joint conferences, research collaboration, and collaborative publications.
This cross-national project is a continuation of Hasanuddin University’s strategic agenda to internationalize its research activities while addressing real-world challenges. The study’s findings are expected to contribute to academic literature, guide practitioners in peacebuilding, and support government efforts in formulating inclusive conflict resolution strategies.
Next Steps and Research Outcomes
As an immediate outcome of the meeting, a consolidated research timeline was established, marking milestones for each phase of the project. The team aims to complete the data collection and analysis within the next several months, culminating in the publication of joint academic journal articles in both national and international outlets.
Looking forward, the research teams will commence field data collection in their respective locations. The Indonesian team will work in Makassar, a city that has historically experienced inter-group tensions but has also emerged as a model for post-conflict recovery. Meanwhile, the Malaysian team will gather data in Penang, a region known for its multicultural composition and relatively stable conflict environment.
By examining how communities engage in conflict resolution within different political, cultural, and social contexts, the project aspires to generate insights that are not only academically valuable but also practically applicable.
