Freek Colombijn

Dr. Freek Colombijn is an Associate Professor in Social and Cultural Anthropology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Mobilities, Beliefs and Belonging research group. He holds dual master's degrees from Leiden University (Cultural Anthropology and History) and a PhD in Social Sciences. His research focuses on urban anthropology, environmental sustainability, social inequality, and decolonization, with a strong emphasis on Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Brazil.

• Affiliations: Faculty of Social Sciences, VU Amsterdam; Mobilities, Beliefs and Belonging research cluster.
• Research Themes:
  • Urban waste management practices and gender dynamics in Indonesia.
  • Environmental history of Sumatra (1600-1870).
  • Public health challenges faced by kidney dialysis patients in the Netherlands.
• Education: PhD in Social Sciences (Leiden U, 1994), MA Cultural Anthropology (cum laude, Leiden U, 1988), MA History (Leiden U, 1988).

His work bridges historical and contemporary issues, addressing global sustainability dilemmas and urban mobilities. Recent studies examine the paradox of eco-friendly behavior versus consumerist lifestyles among middle-class Indonesians, and the governance of recycling practices in the Netherlands. He has authored over 116 publications, including articles in Worldwide Waste and Current Anthropology.

Recipient of the Professor Teeuw Award (2007) for Dutch-Indonesian academic collaboration and teaching awards at both Leiden and VU Amsterdam. Supervisory excellence recognized through the 2011 'Best Supervisor' runner-up title.

Active in public engagement, including media contributions on waste management, colonial heritage, and slavery memorialization. Collaborates internationally, with fieldwork in Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore.