The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at UIN Sunan Kalijaga through its International Office, held an International Academic Talk entitled “The African Diaspora and Christianity in Australia and Social Dynamics of Southeast Asia.” The event was held on 9 December 2025 at the faculty meeting room and attended by students, lecturers, and academic networks who are interested in global contemporary issues.

This event was officially opened by the faculty Vice Dean III, Dr. Rama Kertamukti, M.Sn., who emphasized the urge of global literacy in higher education.

“In this interconnected era, it is important for students to understand the global migration issue, cross continental religious dynamics, and social change in Southeast Asia. The international discussionlike this is broadening horizons and enriching the scientific sensitivity of students,” said Rama Kertamukti.

In the meantime, the head of the International Office of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Muhammad Johan Nasrul Huda, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D., conveyed that IO is trying to be a space to strengthen campus internationalization systematically.

“We want to open the access to actual and relevant global knowledge. Presenting the international researcher, such as Prof. Openshaw, is a part of the mission to build the academic atmosphere on a global level.

In her presentation. Prof. Openshaw explained the dynamics of creating the African diaspora community in Australia as a social, cultural, and religious phenomenon that continues to grow. The several important points conveyed: Transformation of Identity and Cultural Space The African Diaspora in Australia is not only experiencing the geographical relocation but also the identity negotiation between African tradition, the reality of migration, and the integration of demanding Australians. In the role of church and religious community, the church became an important place for the African diaspora to maintain the cultural values, build solidarity, and take care of their mental health in their destination country.

Prof. Openshaw revealed that social challenges are about the issue of racial discrimination, the obstacle of language, and the limited economic access that is still faced by the diaspora group. The contribution of the African diaspora for Australians. She emphasized that the African diaspora enriched the diversity in Australia through culture, art, and the more inclusive religion dynamics. The presentation of Prof. Openshaw gave a global point of view regarding international migration, minority religion, and formed the social identity in the context of Australian multiculturalism.

Dr. Norma explained the analysis of Southeast Asian territory from social, cultural, and contemporary political perspectives. The summary of the material presented, including: The diversity of ethnicities and religions is a power and at the same time a challenge of Southeast Asia, which has a long history of the interaction of migration, trade, and colonialism that shapes multiple social identities. Whereas, the social changes in the digital era, Dr. Norman emphasized that the digital platform became a new stage for shaping public opinion, social conflict, and religious expression across the ASEAN country. Labor Mobility and Regional Migration highlighted the high level of worker migration across the territory, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, that affected dynamics of family, economy, and social policy. The political tension and wave of populism. According to him, several countries in Southeast Asia are experiencing the trend of new populism that is affecting political stability and social cohesion. The Regional Integration Prospects encourage important cross border collaboration in the fields of education, human rights, and economy to decrease interregional social inequality.

Dr. Norma’s material helped the participants to understand the Southeast Asian social changes in geopolitical structure and dynamic culture.