The New Order became an important material in the study of contemporary Indonesian history. Not only because of the length of time in power – namely 32 years, but the New Order gave a historical legacy, which is still being felt today. However, what became interesting for researchers was how the New Order state scheme worked. UGM historian, Farabi Fakih, in his dissertation said that the New Order was a Managerial State. A terminology that shows that the New Order worked like a corporation.

Benevolent Bandits?

At that time Prof. David Henley started the presentation with a question. Was the New Order good bandits? In his research, he uses a political perspective by borrowing the concept of a stationary bandit. In simple terms, stationary bandits are political elites (central) who use their power for the wrong purpose – namely strengthening networks and then fulfilling personal interests – by forming groups in other areas of the country. The concept was introduced by Mancur Olson in his book Power and Prosperity. Mancur Olson selected Russia in the early 1990s and China in the early 20th century as sample areas. read more

Peter Boomgaard became important in the development of Indonesian historiography. For some historians his expertise in pioneering environmental history is a challenge. He provides an alternative to mainstream historiography – which used to be militaristic and political. Why is this environmental historiography unique? Boomgaard’s idea no longer places human relations between humans – which is a feature of political, military, or even social historiography in subsequent social developments. History is not about war and power. Peter Boomgaard does not eliminate the role of humans, because humans are an important element of history. However, – through the idea of ​​environmental history – he has the idea that history is also the relationship between humans and nature. So history has wider interdisciplinary possibilities, even including the realm of science which is no longer fixated on the social science approach. So history can discuss the relationship between humans and nature: interactions with fauna, natural disasters, and the history of disease outbreaks. read more

The History Department of FIB UGM held public lectures in succession. on Friday (10/2) and Monday, (13/2). The public lecture invited Dr. Russell Field of the University of Manitoba. He is an assistant professor who specializes in sports, particularly sports and politics. At the first meeting, Friday (10/2), Dr. Russell focuses more on sports and historiography.

From the research results of Dr. Russell on Ganefo there are some interesting findings. Ganefo which was held in 1963 was not held without consideration. it is a symbolic embodiment of Soekarno’s vision. Views on Asian-African unity, decolonization spirit and Anti-imperialism. In its development, Ganefo became a rival to the Olympics. Because according to Soekarno and several figures from the eastern block countries at that time, sport could be a means of infiltrating western to eastern culture. That’s what they then fought. read more

Dr. Russell Field, on Friday (10/2/2017) had the opportunity to attend a public lecture in Meeting Room I, Poerbatjaraka Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. A research assistant from the University of Manitoba Canada, he gave a public lecture with the theme “Studying Sport, Politics, and Global Connection”. The event was organized by the Department of History, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. The public lecture was the first schedule of two planned public lectures with a discussion of sports and history. read more