Hikmawan Saefullah

Dr Hikmawan 'Indra' Saefullah is a Lecturer in Digital Humanities (Indonesian Focus) at the University of New England (UNE), affiliated with the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. His research explores Indonesian politics, youth resistance, underground music scenes, Islamic conservatism, and the intersection of subcultures with socio-political dynamics. Previously, he taught at institutions in Indonesia, including Padjadjaran University and Parahyangan Catholic University, and engaged in public diplomacy missions for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He holds a Ph.D. in Politics from Murdoch University, an M.A. in International Relations from the Australian National University, and a B.A. in International Relations from Padjadjaran University. His teaching spans Indonesian Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, with a focus on contemporary issues like cyber diplomacy, political Islam, and international relations in Africa and the Middle East.

His research interests include music censorship, cultural politics, and the Arab diaspora in Southeast Asia. Media engagements include contributions to Nikkei Asia, Al Jazeera, and The Conversation, discussing topics like Indonesia’s cultural policies and the role of music in social movements.

Indra’s work bridges academia and activism, reflecting his background in Indonesia’s 1990s underground music scene and student activism during the Reformasi era. He collaborates with global scholars and institutions to explore cultural and political transformations in Southeast Asia and beyond.