Message to Students
Selamat datang! (Indonesian for “Welcome!”) I have been conducting research on border societies in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Indonesia and Timor Leste. While I specialize in anthropology, I have also worked in the field of community development for NGO activities and, based on such experiences, I have conducted research in the field of NGO activities.
When we think about internationalization and globalization, we tend to unconsciously think in terms of nations, and when we think of languages, we tend to focus on learning English. I hope that you will learn not only English, but also other foreign languages used in border societies, and walk in remote frontier areas away from the center of the country. I am sure that your view of the world will change dramatically. Then, from the “local” perspectives gained from such trips, you will be able to think about global issues such as development, global environmental problems, immigration, and refugee issues. This is the kind of approach I hope to see in all of you!!
