Papers

• Constructing and Negotiating the Identity and Belonging of the Aceh Chinese under Sharia Law Chontida Auikool Lund University

  The development of the modern Aceh Chinese community has been significantly impacted by several historical occurrences in Aceh, the westernmost region of Indonesia. This includes significant events such as the anti-communist atrocities in 1965 and 1966, the GAM-Indonesia conflict, and the 2004 Tsunami, which have profoundly influenced on identity and sense of belonging of the community. However, the matter of citizenship in Aceh became even more intricate, particularly after the conclusion of a peace agreement in 2005. The agreement not only resulted in the integration of Aceh into the Indonesian state, but it also conferred autonomy upon the region, enabling the full implementation of the Sharia law within its jurisdiction. Special status for the Acehnese Muslims and segregated citizenship based on religious affiliations thus become apparent as a consequence of the law and autonomy. The Aceh Chinese although being officially recognised as Indonesian citizens based on the country’s citizenship law of 2006, the group unavoidably encounter challenges and struggles to find their place and belonging within the jurisdiction of the Islamic law. This paper delves into the post-conflict scenario in Aceh, focusing on the significant role of the Sharia law in shaping the citizenship regime, and the explanation of the tension between religious groups and how the Aceh Chinese construct and negotiate their belonging within the special autonomous area. It argues that the incorporation of Aceh into the Indonesian nation has paved the way for the dissemination of Indonesian values such as Pancasila to be adopted by the Acehnese populace. This phenomenon enables the Aceh Chinese community and its affiliated organizations to undertake proactive measures in establishing and defining their position within the broader societal context. However, there is perceived silent tension in the Acehnese society due to the limitation of freedom and the law that impacts the life of ethnoreligious minorities within Aceh province.

• On her own: Reframing Image of Women’s Roles in the Public Sphere of Thai society Chitiphat Suntornsaratool National Chengchi University

  The development of the modern Aceh Chinese community has been significantly impacted by several historical occurrences in Aceh, the westernmost region of Indonesia. This includes significant events such as the anti-communist atrocities in 1965 and 1966, the GAM-Indonesia conflict, and the 2004 Tsunami, which have profoundly influenced on identity and sense of belonging of the community. However, the matter of citizenship in Aceh became even more intricate, particularly after the conclusion of a peace agreement in 2005. The agreement not only resulted in the integration of Aceh into the Indonesian state, but it also conferred autonomy upon the region, enabling the full implementation of the Sharia law within its jurisdiction. Special status for the Acehnese Muslims and segregated citizenship based on religious affiliations thus become apparent as a consequence of the law and autonomy. The Aceh Chinese although being officially recognised as Indonesian citizens based on the country’s citizenship law of 2006, the group unavoidably encounter challenges and struggles to find their place and belonging within the jurisdiction of the Islamic law. This paper delves into the post-conflict scenario in Aceh, focusing on the significant role of the Sharia law in shaping the citizenship regime, and the explanation of the tension between religious groups and how the Aceh Chinese construct and negotiate their belonging within the special autonomous area. It argues that the incorporation of Aceh into the Indonesian nation has paved the way for the dissemination of Indonesian values such as Pancasila to be adopted by the Acehnese populace. This phenomenon enables the Aceh Chinese community and its affiliated organizations to undertake proactive measures in establishing and defining their position within the broader societal context. However, there is perceived silent tension in the Acehnese society due to the limitation of freedom and the law that impacts the life of ethnoreligious minorities within Aceh province.

• The Reality of Thai Marriage Migrants in Taiwan: *Citizenship and Welfares as New Immigrants Jidapa Buayairugsa National Chengchi University

  This study investigates the different experiences of Thai marriage migrants in Taiwan, addressing three key aspects of their journey: 1) the driving factors influencing their choices between obtaining permanent residency or full citizenship in Taiwan, 2) the challenges they encounter in accessing state-provided welfare services as new immigrants, and 3) their endeavors to assert and secure their rights as new immigrants in the Taiwanese context. Utilizing a comprehensive research approach, incorporating qualitative interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, and document analysis, this study illuminates the factors affecting Thai marriage migrants’ decisions regarding legal status. These factors encompass economic opportunities, social integration prospects, and legal constraints within the host country. Furthermore, the paper explores the bureaucratic complexities, societal dynamics, and economic obstacles that Thai marriage migrants face when attempting to access welfare services, including healthcare, education, and other social assistance. The research also delves into the strategies and advocacy efforts employed by Thai marriage migrants to advance their rights and integration into Taiwanese society. This includes organized activism, community building, and engagement with local authorities. In a sociocultural context where Thai marriage migrants often confront language barriers and social disparities, this research underscores the pivotal role of legal status, government policies, and migrant agency in shaping their integration experiences. The findings underscore the imperative need for tailored policies, support mechanisms, and rights-based approaches to enhance the well-being and socio-economic inclusion of this migrant population in Taiwan.

• The Dynamic Interactions of Malaysian Chinese: A Case Study of Guan Gong Belief Hu Ning Universiti Malaya

  The interaction mechanisms within Malaysian Chinese society can be understood through the lens of Chinese religion. This paper takes the case of the Guan Gong belief, considering individuals, beliefs, and culture as the constituents of interaction. To systematically analyze the complex interactions within Malaysian Chinese society, we have established a theoretical framework of “Dynamic Interactions”, encompassing four key components: events, interactions, sources, and targets. By exploring the events associated with the Guan Gong belief, which include rituals, cultural performances, and parades on Guan Gong, we scrutinize the interactions between individuals and the interactions between individuals and deities. In the process of these interactions, we gain insight into the underlying social networks and social capital that drive these activities. These events trigger multifaceted interactions within Malaysian Chinese society, involving believers, clergy, and community leaders, among others, along with their respective objectives tied to their faith in Guan Gong. Further analysis reveals how Malaysian Chinese society, through the interaction of various elements, can transform scattered individuals into interconnected members of the society, thus creating a potential sense of cohesion. In conclusion, this study summarizes the Guan Gong belief as a dynamic interaction case, underscoring the value of the “Dynamic Interactions” theoretical framework in better comprehending the interaction of Chinese as a minority in Malaysia.

• Rethinking Indonesian Women’s Agency and Feminist Narrative on Twitter Activism as Counterpublic Space Bruce Dame Laoera Jagiellonian University

  Since the fall of the New Order regime in 1998, Indonesian people seem to have more opportunity and space to express opinions and thoughts both in the public and digital sphere. With the advancement of information technologies and the usage of free social media platforms, many Indonesian people utilize them to discuss social and political issues, especially Indonesian women. Many Indonesian women use social media platforms to offer discourse on women’s issues and conduct online activism. As a matter of fact, Indonesian women are still considered as ‘subordinates’, attached to traditional gender roles, and prone to gender-based violence. Moreover, this research purpose is to apply a qualitative exploratory content analysis on the Twitter posts (n=50) using particular search key terms. It will observe and focus on the political and gender discussion carried out by Indonesian women on Twitter posts during January-December 2023. There are several social issues that are involving women in gender and political contexts, for instance the law on sexual violence crimes (UU Tpks), the omnibus law plans (RUU Ciptaker), and electoral campaigns. Counterpublic theory will be applied as a framework since this research will seek and analyze feminist narratives within women’s issues discussion in the digital space. It will also aim to rethink the identities and roles of Indonesian women’s agency and the use of Twitter as a counterpublic space that influences the public culture in Indonesia.

Abstract