Yogyakarta, April 28th 2025 – The book entitled Digital Indonesia: Inclusion and Equality in Gender, Sexuality, Religion, Ecology and Disability was officially launched on Monday (28/4) at Phoenix Hotel, Yogyakarta. The book was edited by two female academics and activists, Ratna Noviani and Dewi Candraningrum, who have long worked in education, gender and culture. Published by Kanisius Publishers, this book is an important contribution in enriching academic discourse and activism in the digital era.
The launch event was opened with a warm welcome from Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of scientific and critical works as this book in bridging the academic world and social movements. The event continued with a group photo session, as well as speeches from both editors. Ms. Dewi Candraningrum conveyed the urgency of writing this book as a response to the complex social dynamics in Indonesia – especially related to issues of gender, sexuality, religion, ecology, and disability in the context of increasingly massive digitalization.
This book brings together writings from academics, researchers and social activists from Indonesia, Malaysia and Germany, connected through the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) network. The authors come from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, such as media and cultural studies, digital humanities, religious studies, gender studies, sociology, literature, and ecology. The intersectional approach used makes this book rich in perspectives and relevant to answer the challenges of the times.
One of the strengths of this book is its broad spectrum of topics, yet it remains under one thematic research umbrella. Each article is interconnected with the big theme of inclusion and empowerment in the digital era. During the launch session, a panel discussion was also held to dissect a number of writings contained in the book, such as the works of Rivi Handayani, Ramayda Akmal, Y. Bambang Wiratmojo, Hermin Indah Wahyuni, Dewi Candraningrum, and M. Ali Imron. The panelists reviewed how concepts such as gender representation, digital ecology, and disability rights are critically examined in this book.
The theme of this book was also explained in depth by Ms. Dewi Candraningrum, it is important as a scientific work, and also as a form of knowledge activism that promotes social justice and the voices of marginalized groups in the digital space.
Interestingly, the book sold out just moments after the launch, showing the high level of public interest and enthusiasm for the issues raised. Currently, Digital Indonesia is available for a limited time through Gadjah Mada University’s Cultural and Media Studies Program. This high enthusiasm, it is possible that it will be reprinted in the near future.
Author: Khoirul Mujazanah