Researchers from UIN Jakarta and UNSW Discuss the Role of Women in Indo-Pacific Conflict Resolution

FISIP, UIN News Online  — A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) between UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Australia explored the role of women in conflict resolution in the Indo-Pacific region. Assoc. Prof. Minako Sakai, Ph.D., from UNSW, served as the main speaker, accompanied by her student, Mickaylah Guidi, who is researching this issue for her advanced studies.

The FGD was a collaborative effort with the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UIN Jakarta, the Master's Program in Islamic History and Culture at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) UIN Jakarta, and the Center for Gender and Child Studies (PSGA) UIN Jakarta. Attended by several UIN Jakarta lecturers, the FGD was held both in person at FISIP UIN Jakarta and online via Zoom Meeting on Thursday, (18/07/2024).

Prof. Dr. Dzurriyatun Thoyibah, M.Si., M.A., Dean of FISIP UIN Jakarta, as the host, welcomed the FGD and highlighted UIN Jakarta's ongoing internationalization efforts in establishing partnerships with foreign universities, such as UNSW.

The Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M) at UIN Jakarta, Prof. Amelia Fauzia, Ph.D., appreciated the research on women as agents of conflict resolution.

In line with this, Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, Dean of FAH UIN Jakarta, also hoped that the FGD would provide significant benefits for all parties involved.

Prof. Minako stated that women's issues are a primary focus of this research, considering the vast and diverse Indo-Pacific region. The influence of Islamic organizations in Indonesia presents challenges for women in conflict resolution, as they often face barriers to active participation. Women and children are also particularly vulnerable in conflict situations.

"An approach that aligns with the local culture in each region is necessary to achieve effective and sustainable conflict resolution," said Prof. Minako.

Mickaylah Guidi, a researcher from UNSW, presented her research on the dynamics of gender power and the challenges in resolving conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region, with a special focus on Indonesia. Her research also addresses the issue of gender stigma that affects women's involvement in conflict resolution processes.

Prof. Minako expressed her hope that the discussions and questions from FGD participants or several UIN Jakarta lecturers would provide valuable additional data and information for her student Mickaylah Guidi's research.

(Nala Zakina Zuhaida/Zaenal M/Raihan Lail Ramadhan)