By: Dina Afrianty and Elo Kusuma
From 23 to 26 October 2023, all researchers involved in this project gathered in Malang to launch a joint research project involving Australian and Indonesian researchers entitled “Exploring Restorative Justice Technique to Build Resilience and Address Climate Change Harms in Indonesia.” Following this project launch, researchers discussed at length a number of key research areas including the scope of the research, research methodology, and most importantly, the subject matter of the research, climate change and Indonesia’s response to it. The Faculty of Law at Brawijaya University hosted this four-days research workshop.
The Brawijaya University Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Unti Ludigdo officially launched this project. He welcomes this research partnership and envisions that it will lead to the development of broader collaborations. The three institutions involve in this collaboration, AIDRAN, Australian Catholic University, and Brawijaya University believe this research partnership provides an invaluable opportunity for mutual learning. Every member of the research team participate equally in an open and inclusive academic discussion, fostering the sharing of knowledge and experiences. This research partnership is a significant contribution to facilitating the exchange of insights between Indonesian and Australian researchers.
It is believed that the inclusive process throughout the research will contribute to the development of significant research skills. All individuals involved in the workshop also expressed confidence that this research initiative marks the beginning of a long-lasting research collaboration. It is in the project vision that this research will not only enhance our understanding of the impact of climate change harms to minority and marginalised groups in Indonesia, but most importantly, enable us to contribute to join advocacy for better policies.
Throughout this research methodology workshop, Australian researchers have not only gained insights into Indonesia’s knowledge ecosystem, research and academic culture, impact of climate change, but more importantly, they have learned about Indonesia’s history, its diverse culture and tradition, as well as its complex legal and political system.
Similarly, Indonesian researchers actively contribute to the knowledge production on climate change and initiate discussion about the development and understanding of restorative justice in Indonesia. In particular, Indonesian researchers shared insights into how the concept of restorative justice is perceived within Indonesia’s legal system.
These are new knowledge to the four of the five Australian researchers in the project. It is only through this project that most of them are learning about Indonesia.
Specifically, some of key research topics discussed during the workshop include: International human rights and the environment, the human rights of women, people with disability, and indigenous people; Indonesia’s legal and policy making process that includes RPJMN, RPJMD, and Musrembang; Understanding Indonesian Climate Change Law and Policy; Overview of Policy Developments Indonesia’s Response to Climate Change; Understanding Restorative Justice in Australia and Indonesia Context; Impacts of Climate Change to Marginalized Groups; Centering the Voices of Marginalized Groups in Addressing Climate Harm.
In terms of research methodology, both Australian and Indonesian researchers have acquired additional research skills. The utilisation of GEDSI and intersectionality principles as the driving forces behind our research methodology and approaches is novel to majority for the majority of the researchers.
During the workshop, researchers from AIDRAN shared their knowledge on disability inclusive research, participants also learn about disability, and reasonable accommodation. This holds significant importance in our research, aiming to ensure that the voices and experiences of marginalised groups, including women, people with disabilities, and indigenous communities, are not left behind. Researchers learned the necessity of providing all necessary accommodations to ensure that no one is left behind in understanding the impact of climate change.
The Project is supported by the Australian Government through KONEKSI and implemented by Australian Catholic University, AIDRAN, and Faculty of Law Brawijaya University.