This call invites prospective PhD applicants to develop and propose an original research project aligned with the discipline’s research strengths and supervision expertise.

We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates with strong academic preparation and a clear interest in contributing to the discipline’s areas of research focus. Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to undertake independent research and develop a well-conceived PhD project.

IMPORTANT: Do not use the “Submit an Expression of Interest” button on this page. To be considered, you must submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) using the School EOI form (click here to access the form).

The academic staff listed below represent the areas of supervision available in Indonesian Studies within the Asia Institute. Applicants should review the academic expertise and consider how their proposed project aligns with the research interests of potential supervisors.

The composition of the supervisory panel will be based on staff’s availability and expertise and may draw on expertise from other programs and schools in the Faculty of Arts.

A/Prof Edwin Jurriens (Principal/Co-Supervisor)

Edwin’s research, teaching and engagement interests are in contemporary art, media, literature, language and society in Asia, particularly Indonesia. His research focuses on environmental art and digital art; cultural activism and participatory art and media; media ecology and the creative industry; urban space and the public sphere; and globalisation and local identity. He is interested in the role of creativity in representing cultural values and social causes, providing an alternative to the mainstream media and consumer culture, and addressing the intersections between virtual, material and natural environments.

Research Area: Asian/Indonesian art, media, cultural studies

A/Prof Ken M.P. Setiawan (Principal/Co-Supervisor)

Ken’s research interests include contemporary Indonesian politics and democratic development, with a specific interest in the politics of human rights, gender and civil society.

Research Area: politics, human rights, gender, democracy, civil society

Dr Monika Winarnita (Principal/Co-Supervisor)

Monika’s research interests include ethnography of the Indonesian and Malay diaspora, gender and cultural performance, as well as migration, digital lives and precarious work.

Research Area: gender, migration, ethnomusicology, Indonesian-Australian, digital culture/lives, precarious work

Dr Justin Wejak (Co-Supervisor)

Justin’s research interests centre on the interconnected themes of Indigenous knowledge, religion and culture. Indigenous knowledge is deeply embedded in storytelling practices, in which oral traditions, myths, and lived narratives serve as vital means of transmitting cultural values, ecological wisdom, and social identity across generations. His work on religion explores how Indigenous beliefs interact with institutional traditions such as Catholicism and Islam, producing dynamic and locally grounded expressions of faith and spirituality.

Research Area: Indigenous, ethnographic, religious studies

HOW TO APPLY

Before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Applicants should review the research areas and supervision expertise listed above and consider how their proposed research project aligns with the discipline’s areas of expertise. You do not need to contact a potential supervisor before submitting an EOI.

You should also ensure you meet the entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) [click here to view the Handbook]. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate excellent academic achievement in a relevant master’s degree, honours degree (or equivalent), usually placeing in the upper range of the grading scale at their institution, together with strong performance in a substantial independent research project (e.g. thesis).

IMPORTANT – How to submit your EOI

To be considered you must submit your expression of interest using the School EOI form:

→ Submit your Expression of Interest (School EOI form) - click here to access the form

Do not use the page “Submit Expression of Interest” button. Applications submitted via the page button will not be considered.

Deadlines

EOI must be submitted by

30 June - International applicants
30 August - Domestic applicants

To complete the School EOI form [click here to open], you will be asked to provide:

a research proposal
a curriculum vitae (CV) - use this template [click here to open]
academic transcripts for all tertiary study
evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
the names of two potential supervisors aligned with your project

What happens next

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Zoom interview with potential supervisors within approximately two weeks of the closing date.

Applicants who receive supervisor support may be invited to submit a formal application to the Doctor of Philosophy – Arts (DR-PHILART).

Submission of an EOI does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection.

Further information about the application process is available here: https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/study/graduate-research [click here to open]

Dr

Justin Wejak

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Asia Institute

Dr

Justin Wejak

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Dr

Justin Wejak

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