This thesis seeks to analyze the cinema of Apichatpong Weerasethakul (1970-) by placing it within a context of the history of Thai nationality, borders and geography, specifically focusing on the...Show moreThis thesis seeks to analyze the cinema of Apichatpong Weerasethakul (1970-) by placing it within a context of the history of Thai nationality, borders and geography, specifically focusing on the region of Isan and its history with and within Thailand. It aims to show how his work subverts the master narrative offered in official media that concerns Thailand as a nation state with a fixed identity and national language and instead gives a voice to marginalized identities by making room for a multitude of experienced realities and stories within Thailand. This thesis is an attempt to reduce the gap between the respective fields of Area Studies and Film Studies as well.Show less
In this thesis I explore a type of nineteenth century Chinese-made porcelain decorated with human figures and related texts. I look for possible explanations for the fact that this group has...Show moreIn this thesis I explore a type of nineteenth century Chinese-made porcelain decorated with human figures and related texts. I look for possible explanations for the fact that this group has received little attention. I explore the source of the illustrations from a seventeenth century Chinese wood-block printed book showing forty iconic historical figures. My analysis and comparison of the source of the illustrations with the features of the decorated porcelain suggest that the decorations are organized in a consistent and rational way. The visual impact of the icons of exemplary figures on the porcelain becomes more information than decoration.Show less
Dungen, Boudewijn Sebastiaan Thibault van den 2016
Since the beginning of the 20th century, when Indonesia was not yet independent, Indonesian students' associations have played a major role in the nation building. The founding fathers Mohammad...Show moreSince the beginning of the 20th century, when Indonesia was not yet independent, Indonesian students' associations have played a major role in the nation building. The founding fathers Mohammad Hatta (the later vice-president), Dr. Soetomo, Sutan Sjahrir, and Achmad Soebardjo who studied in the Netherlands actively discussed Indonesian identity and the independence in an organisation called Perhimpoenan Indonesia (PI, Indonesian Association), which was reintroduced in 1925 after being originally established in 1908 under the name Indische Vereeniging. Firstly formed as a social club, the PI was later active politically. It frequently criticized the Dutch government for what they did in the Netherlands Indies through its newspapers Hinda Poetra and Indonesia Merdeka. The PI demanded freedom for Indonesia and had the spirit of anti-colonialism and non-cooperation with the Dutch. Later it became anti-fascist, which made the PI a tool for the independence struggle. However, once the purpose of the political movement –the Japanese replacement of the Dutch, and independence– became known, the PI was slowly dissolved, though the exact dissolution date is unknown. In 1952, an association that bonded and united Indonesian students with the spirit of nationalism reappeared with the new name of Persatuan Peladjar Indonesia (PPI). This is the benchmark year of this study as it was the first year of term PPI. From there on, the dynamic of the PPI has never stopped. Although it altered its name to Persatuan/Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia, the spirit still remains for Indonesian students overseas. The aftermath of the PI can be seen afterwards. Indonesian students overseas took a similar form of action. There are other student diaspora stories from the late 1960s, this time in the United States. When the Indonesian Orde Baru just started its administration, a handful of economic students from the University of California, Berkeley, were chosen to bring back the Indonesian economy from deprivation. In the United States, they formed a group that people called the ‘Berkeley Mafia’ that consisted of several prominent figures such as Widjojo Nitisastro, Mohammad Sadli, Emil Salim, Subroto, and Ali Wardhana . These students, who were linked together in Berkeley, returned as a group lead by Nitisastro to work under the administration of Soeharto. One of the professors in the Department of Political Science, T.C. Blaisdell commented: “These (would be) prominent Indonesian leaders are gathering,” as the group were having study meeting in Barrows Hall, Berkeley (Anwar et al, 2007). The group supported the Orde Baru until its collapse in 1998. In the 1960s I believe the number of Indonesian students was not as many as there are now. And in 1961, following the establishment in the Netherlands, the Persatoean Mahasiswa Indonesia di Amerika Serikat (Indonesian Students' Union in the United States) was born. Today, the number of Indonesian students overseas have increased, as there are 51 PPI in the world. Indonesian students tend to be organized as they belong to the PPI. This is not only in the Netherlands and the United States, but in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, Turkey, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, among others. These students association are familiar among Indonesian under the name of Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia (PPI). Although the associations are geographically separated, they seem to have similar form of organization, source of funding, and activities. I did not observe this pattern of association in other international students' association, thus it is worth comparing with other students' associations. In this study I address how the PPI Belanda developed during the different regimes in Indonesia from Orde Lama to Post-reformasi and how the PPI Belanda reacted to each regime. Next I question how the previous and current PPI organize itself in terms of constitution, purpose, membership policy, and medium of information, activities and source of funding. I also became interested in the PPI Belanda’s political connection with Indonesian domestic politics, as it is acknowledged that the PPI often deliver the Pernyataan Sikap (Position Statement) on current issues in Indonesia. Thereafter I discuss the longstanding relationships between the PPI and the government’s representatives, particularly the Atase Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Republik Indonesia (Atdikbud) that is in the KBRI in The Hague. By examining these topics I hope the dynamic of the PPI Belanda will be more acknowledged in the future.Show less
Indonesia is named the second biggest contributor to plastic waste in the oceans and the third largest polluter in the world. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, population growth, economic...Show moreIndonesia is named the second biggest contributor to plastic waste in the oceans and the third largest polluter in the world. Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, population growth, economic growth and a consumption boom resulted in an increase in waste. It is said that municipal solid waste increased with 162,5% in the last decade. In 2009, 81% of this waste was disposed of in open dumping landfills, which are often badly managed. Only 7% of it was recycled. Open dumping landfills is causing both health-and environment-related problems, and caused many deaths in 2005, marking the failure of traditional waste management. The necessity of proper waste management led to the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act on May 8, 2008. The international and more sustainable concept of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) began to be used, thus replacing the traditional End-of-Pipe treatment. In this sociological research, I hope to answer the question of what the significance is of 3R for waste management in Indonesia, with a main focus on policies, developments, and citizen involvement.Show less
When contemporary Chinese art first attracted international attention in the 1990s, it was assumed that the violent crackdown of the student protests at Tiananmen Square in 1989 influenced the...Show moreWhen contemporary Chinese art first attracted international attention in the 1990s, it was assumed that the violent crackdown of the student protests at Tiananmen Square in 1989 influenced the development of Chinese art. However, the history of June Fourth remains a blind spot in official Chinese history and only exists in the memories of its witnesses. Although research has been done on the practical restrictions and ideological consequences on art, June Fourth has not yet been analyzed as a subject in contemporary Chinese art. Of course obvious artistic references to the protests are rare; however I propose to research the inclusion of June Fourth in contemporary Chinese art through an analysis of the relation between art and memory. Starting with the relation between art and cultural memory in the People's Republic of China, the essay will continue with the analysis of icons of memory and the relation between the index and memory. Gradually, the thesis will shift into a more abstract analysis of the possible connection between memory and art, through the notion of the post-memory. The influence of June Fourth on contemporary art is complex and exists at multiple levels simultaneously. Ultimately, the thesis intends provide an analysis of contemporary Chinese art through memory, as complementing force to what is acknowledged as (official) history.Show less
This paper examines how rapid transformation of the food supply chain and continued state reform of food regulation is shaping the relationship between the State and private food processing...Show moreThis paper examines how rapid transformation of the food supply chain and continued state reform of food regulation is shaping the relationship between the State and private food processing industry and affecting food safety control systems. My findings reveal that the Chinese State is not relinquishing control of the food supply chain for the benefit of self-regulation of food production companies. On the contrary, the State appears to be tightening its grip on the course of national industry development through direct and indirect interference in the food supply chain, and an intensification of legislative and regulatory control, in order to secure national food supply and increase food safety and quality. Through an analysis of a production level perception of development of the State's influence versus self-regulation in a two-step exploratory research, I reason that, in contrast to the ambiguity portrayed in the literature, food processors are not confused about the State's strategy, the division of responsibilities or the role of industry associations. Furthermore, I observe that both consumers and processors recognise that, in China's current phase of development, strict state control is probably the best way forward. Finally, based on analysis of the current stakeholders' perceptions of risks and responsibilities in the rapidly transforming food supply chain in China, I raise doubts about the application of Beck's theory of 'risk society' to China.Show less
The aim of this thesis is to investigate cooperation between China and Europe and to identify changes in partnerships with the advancement of China’s space program. In the first part, a general...Show moreThe aim of this thesis is to investigate cooperation between China and Europe and to identify changes in partnerships with the advancement of China’s space program. In the first part, a general overview of space exploration and the history of China’s space program is presented. China’s achievements and innovations in space had come comparatively late, but nowadays has China a become a world-class player in this field. Then thesis then analyses the structure of different space programs and the political environment that affects the development of partnerships. This continues with the economic benefits for both parties, including cost sharing, innovation and technology, access to resources, job employment and prestige. In conclusion, the thesis argues that cooperation between Europe and China in the field of space technology development has not been very intense from the start of national space programs in the early 1950s, but after the end of the cold war relations between China and in particular the West of Europe gradually became better. This thesis hopes to offer a valuable insight into changing roles in the field of aerospace by analysing China’s rapidly expanding space program.Show less
This thesis examines Japan-Russia relations through a critical discourse analysis of speeches and statements by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and articles and editorials in the Japanese monthly...Show moreThis thesis examines Japan-Russia relations through a critical discourse analysis of speeches and statements by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and articles and editorials in the Japanese monthly general-interest magazine Chūō Kōron published in the period of January 2014 to December 2015.Show less
This paper examines the impact of democratization on the social spending behavior of Indonesia and the Philippines. Comparing social spending as a percentage of central government spending and as a...Show moreThis paper examines the impact of democratization on the social spending behavior of Indonesia and the Philippines. Comparing social spending as a percentage of central government spending and as a share of GDP over a period of approximately ten years before and after democratization, one can’t observe a significant change in the social policy priorities of politicians. Although theory would suggest that democratization would increase the awareness of politicians to focus more on the social well-being of its citizen, investments in human capital remained largely unchanged. This paper argues that the persistence of elites, both at national and local level, prevents a substantial change in social spending to materialize. Drawn from several empirical studies and secondary literature, this paper shows how the rent-seeking attitudes of elites translates into a major burden for lower-class groups to enter the political domain and to change social policy (spending) to their favor.Show less
From the early 1990's onwards, increasing number of immigrants have settled in South Korea. As a result, the South Korean state transitioned from defining South Korea as an ethnically and...Show moreFrom the early 1990's onwards, increasing number of immigrants have settled in South Korea. As a result, the South Korean state transitioned from defining South Korea as an ethnically and culturally homogeneous nation-state towards defining South Korea as a 'multicultural society'. This raises the question what the South Korean government means by 'multiculturalism' and how its 'multicultural' laws and policies redefine South Korea's prevailing notion of ethnic national identity in order to allow for the full incorporation of immigrants into South Korean society. In order to answer these questions, this thesis analyzes South Korea’s laws and policies on immigration, integration and multicultural education.Show less
Bodhgaya is situated in the state of Bihar in India and is known as the place where the Buddha became awakened while sitting under a Bodhi tree, which is marked by the diamond seat (Sanskrit:...Show moreBodhgaya is situated in the state of Bihar in India and is known as the place where the Buddha became awakened while sitting under a Bodhi tree, which is marked by the diamond seat (Sanskrit: vajrasana). The holy site developed in recent times from a small village to one of the most important places of Buddhist pilgrimage on an international scale. For this research I focus on how Bodhgaya, as a lieu de mémoire, became a global village, and show how the visual culture of three foreign temples from Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand visually express on the one hand their relationship with the site as a place of memory, and on the other hand their relationship with their home country.Show less
In 2009, the LJS, otherwise known as the saiban-in seido ,was implemented in Japan (Mcclanahan, 2012). This system was part of an overall reform of the law system in Japan. The system lets ordinary...Show moreIn 2009, the LJS, otherwise known as the saiban-in seido ,was implemented in Japan (Mcclanahan, 2012). This system was part of an overall reform of the law system in Japan. The system lets ordinary citizens, citizens who do not have any experience in participating in court and are not professionally educated judges, participate in criminal trials. These ordinary citizens participate in these trials as a jury member. These jury members are able to decide on the right form of justice in criminal trials together with three professional judges. This jury is suppose to represent the voices of the ordinary citizens in the Japanese law system. This way, the law system is seen as more democratised system compared to the old traditional three judges system and miscarriages of justice should be noticeable sooner and therefore easier to prevent. The first chapter of this paper will take a look at possible previous jury systems that can be compared to the current LJS. We will look at these previous systems to see what kind of impact these had on the law system in Japan and to see whether these can be comparable to the current system. We will take a look at what made Japan discontinue these previous systems. After this we could possibly see what would make this 2009 introduced LJS different from other such failed systems and would therefore make this system more successful. The second chapter will take a look at what the original plan for the LJS in Japan was concerning the goals set for the system. Chapter three will look at the democratisation the system was originally aiming for. Following in chapter four, we will look at what exactly the judge system entails, how it works and what changed in the courtroom. In chapter five we will look at possible results the system is giving. After which in chapter six, we can compare these current results with the original goals of the system and see if these are unforeseen results. This will lead us to the conclusion about whether or not this system indeed democratised the system as originally planned.Show less
Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) or 'Hokusai' for short, ukiyo-e or Japanese woodblock artist renowned for the print 'The Great Wave' (1830-32), published a year before his death the painting manual ...Show moreKatsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) or 'Hokusai' for short, ukiyo-e or Japanese woodblock artist renowned for the print 'The Great Wave' (1830-32), published a year before his death the painting manual 'Ehon Saishiki Tsū' or 'On the Use of Colouring' (1848). In this study I will pose the question of how Hokusai represented his drawing style in Ehon Saishiki Tsū, focussing on how Hokusai explained his use of lines. Ehon Saishiki Tsū has not yet been studied from this perspective. Most studies have focused on the usage of color or pigments in his paintings, which Hokusai gives instructions about in this manual. This study is relevant to art historians and connoisseurs of Japanese art as it puts emphasis on Hokusai's style and how he has represented it through Ehon Saishiki Tsū. In it I have found that Hokusai's explanation on how to draw waterfalls is an example of his realistic style of drawing we see in his middle and late period. Hokusai's way of presenting his explanations exemplify how he has positioned himself as an experienced artist who uses the medium of painting manuals to transmit his experience to his audience: the inexperienced student of art.Show less
By comparing historical narratives that coincided in WW II, I intend to examine how the national identities of the Netherlands and South Korea contrasted with one another and illustrate how the...Show moreBy comparing historical narratives that coincided in WW II, I intend to examine how the national identities of the Netherlands and South Korea contrasted with one another and illustrate how the former Comfort Women have been represented within their own social constructs thereafter. A crucial reason for partaking in a historical comparison, between the Netherlands and South Korea, is to combine a lesser documented case with a case which has received substantially more coverage in academia and the media. By examining historical events, I propose to shift the perspective from gaining formal recognition and compensation from the Japanese government, which is often the point of view in the media and an often discussed topic by academics, to instead: How were the former Comfort Women treated and represented by their own society after WW II? It is important to examine the Comfort Women Issue from a different perspective because the perspective of the society of which the former Comfort Women are a part of, holds as much significance in historical terms of accountability as the issue of the Japanese government’s reticence to offer satisfactory recompense.Show less
The government of Indonesia in the New Order era in the 1970s and 1980s launched one of the largest elementary school construction project in history to eradicate illiteracy known as SD Inpres. The...Show moreThe government of Indonesia in the New Order era in the 1970s and 1980s launched one of the largest elementary school construction project in history to eradicate illiteracy known as SD Inpres. The project included the procurement of children story books as a complimentary of children textbook. The regime much influenced the story and child’s character in these books for the purpose of nation-building. Children stories were embedded with patriotic doctrines and moral values, and the characters were constructed in accordance with the state’s national ideology, Pancasila (Five Moral Principles) and interests to create the ideal Indonesian citizen. The implementation of Pancasila indoctrination through children story books aimed to shape and guide children’s behavior as the new generation who will build the country in the future. It was one of the state’s political strategies to maintain its power and hegemony in making a generation that obedient and pro-state. The study discusses the Indonesia’s New Order political agenda translated in children stories that were published under the SD Inpres project, particularly by Balai Pustaka. The paper suggests that there had been a form of resistance against the regime through the writing of children stories and also looks at differences in children characters and moral values between the state-sponsored Balai Pustaka children stories and private independent publisher Gramedia in the period of 1973-1985. The paper explains the concept of an ideal citizen based on the perspective of the New Order regime and questions the “message” it had transferred and how did the resistance occur in the children stories.Show less
The Japanese population and its healthcare system is under pressure. The population is declining drastically; the amount of elderly is increasing heavily and with the costs to take care of them...Show moreThe Japanese population and its healthcare system is under pressure. The population is declining drastically; the amount of elderly is increasing heavily and with the costs to take care of them will be heavy. Their increasingly chasing population structure is a major concern for politicians and companies alike. Too often Japanese politicians keep this status quo alive, on one hand they agree that Japan needs to introduce pro-immigration policies but on the other hand, when it comes to implement real and viable policies they ignore it. Japanese politicians are hesitant to call for increased immigration, due to fear from the public. These fears often stem from some underbelly feeling, which also fueled by the Media. The introduction of the Foreign nurses and caretakers was a first step into the right direction. Sadly, the outcome was insignificant and had practically no influence. This program shows the weakness of the Japanese immigration policies. It lacks flexibility, practicality and long-term vision.Show less
This thesis looks at the freedom of press in China. A critical discourse analysis is conducted of newspaper articles of the Global Times and the Southern Weekend about the Tianjin harbor explosions.
