“During my visit, I had the chance to meet my host, Professor Thomas Pepinsky, and attend a lecture by Professor Francis Fukuyama during his visit to Cornell. I shared an office space with Cornell students and postdoctoral researchers, which turned out to be a rewarding experience. Their guidance on navigating research and academic careers proved incredibly valuable. They also helped review my manuscript, which has been accepted for publication next year. Additionally, I attended a political economy colloquium at the Mercatus Center in Arlington, Virginia. At the colloquium, I engaged with Mercatus Center scholars, including Professor Peter Boettke, Professor Christopher Coyne, and other PhD scholars from the US, UK, and Germany. These interactions, though brief, provided valuable academic exchanges and expanded my professional network. The support from AIFIS has been exceptional, enabling me to focus on achieving my research goals while providing opportunities to connect with leading scholars.”-Aqida Salma
Meet Aqida Salma, an AIFIS-Luce research fellows who traveled to the US April-June 2024 to advance research on Hybrid Movements, Digital Technology, and the Rise of Far-Right Islamist Protest Mobilization in Indonesia. Aqida Salma's research journey, supported by the AIFIS-Luce Fellowship, represents a significant milestone in understanding the digital strategies and mobilization tactics of far-right Islamist movements in Indonesia. Her work addresses a crucial gap in the study of far-right extremism in Southeast Asia, highlighting its digital dimensions and global implications.
The fellowship also facilitated invaluable networking opportunities. Through interactions with esteemed scholars, including her host Prof. Thomas Pepinsky at Cornell University and participants at the Mercatus Center colloquium, Aqida built a robust professional network. This not only advanced her current research but also paved the way for future academic endeavors, including securing additional funding to continue her studies in the United States.
Aqida's dedication has culminated in notable scholarly contributions. Her forthcoming publications in prestigious journals and her recognition at international conferences underscore the impact of her work. Beyond academia, her research offers critical insights for policymakers striving to regulate digital spaces and strengthen democratic processes in Indonesia. While her fellowship experience was deeply enriching, Aqida sees room for enhancing future fellow interactions. She advocates for AIFIS to organize larger networking events and collaborative workshops, which could foster stronger connections among scholars and aid early-career researchers in navigating the academic landscape.
Congratulations Aqida, on a successful research trip to the US! AIFIS is honored to support the scholarly advancement of Indonesian scholars like Aqida Salma, and in turn to advance interdisciplinary scholarship about Indonesia by Indonesian scholars in the United States.