Mr Meredian Alam

Meredian Alam is a Sociology and AnthropologyPhD Candidate , School of Humanities and Social Science in the University of Newcastle from March 2014 to February 2017. He holds an MPhil in Culture, Environment, and Sustainability from the Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM) University of Oslo, Norway and an MA and a BSocSci (Honours) in Sociology from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. Under the supervision of Professor Pamela Nilan and Dr Terrence Leahy, his doctoral thesis explores a youth environmental movement in Bandung to reclaim the urban forest. As contribution to the currently existing studies and other established researches on environmental movement, he applies the Bourdieusian precepts of habitus, doxa, (radical) dispositions, ilusio, and field of struggle & contentions to deeply reveal the socio-cultural trajectory of young activists who enacted such movement.

He has an extensive research experiences since graduating from his home university in Indonesia. The first career he undertook was as government relations analyst with U.S oil and gas company, ConocoPhillips Ltd. Leaving this corporate job, he jumped into a position of associate researcher for Center for Environment Studies of UGM in which he collaborated with other five researchers to develop social impact analysis on local residents living adjacent to palm oil plantation in South Sumatra. From December 2012 throughout February 2014 he had been a field research coordinator for 'Search-in-Balance' project investigating the progressive emergence of youth driven environmental organisations in Indonesia’s metropolitan cities of Bandung West Java, Jakarta and Bogor, and Yogyakarta, which financially supported by Royal Norwegian Embassy in Indonesia in collaboration with University of Agder (UiA) Kristiansand Norway. While being a student at University of Oslo he won prestigious scholarship for a-month research at Nordic Institute of Asian Studies University of Copenhagen Denmark. His passion about working with youth was successfully materialised when he was elected as youngest supervisor in 2007 by US Department of State United State Embassy, supervising 12 Indonesian upper secondary school students who attended a-month workshop at Florida International University. During the workshop he had invaluable chances of visiting local alligator conservation in Fort Lauderdale, teaching at a local kindergarten, and voluntary works with Habitat for Humanity. Since leaving Indonesia in 2001 until 2003 for his upper secondary schooling in Oita Prefecture Japan, he has found himself out as the 'Nomad of the Present' (Melucci 1996), enabling him to distinguish the various people environmental attitudes to global environmental challenges due to economic liberalisation and global mobility across nations.

Main research interests: Youth Politics, Green Movement, Biogas Development, Social Activism, Science and Technology Studies (STS), Environment and Culture, Renewable Energy Studies, Entrepreneurship, Digital Startups, Conservation and Ecosystem, Corporate Social Responsibilities, Political/Social Mapping

Future professional expectation: Consultant and researcher

Publication:

• Alam, M. (2016) ‘Politicised Space and Contentious Youth in Urban Environmentalism in Indonesia’ (2016). Komunitas: International Journal of Indonesian Culture and Society, Vol. 8(1), pp.1-12. [DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15294/komunitas.v8i1.4850]
• Alam, M. (2016) ‘Taming the Renewables: Actors’ Innovation in Improving the Utilisation of Biogas for Everyday Use in Agricultural Setting’ (2016). International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, Vol. 5(1), pp. 57-64. [DOI: DOI: 10.14710/ijred.5.1.57-64]
• Alam, M., Nilan, P. (2015) ‘Urban Growth, Youth and Environmentalism driving Local Initiatives in Bandung, Indonesia’. In Theresa Petray and Anne Stephens (eds) Proceedings of The Australian Sociological Association Conference, Cairns 23-26 November 2015. ISBN: 978-0-646-94798-3 [https://www.tasa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Alam-2015-1.pdf]
• Alam, M. (2015) ‘Urban Neoliberalism and Environmentalism as Local Initiatives in Indonesia’. Southeast Asia: Multidisciplinary Journal, Vol. 15, pp 1-7. [http://www.ubd.edu.bn/academic/faculty/FASS/SEA/volume15.html]
• Suharko., Alam, M., Harimadya, S (2014). ‘Organisasi Gerakan Lingkungan Berbasis Pemuda: Perkembangan Historis, Dinamika Pengorganisasian dan Agenda Studi’. In Muhammad Najib Asca., Derajad Widhyarto., Oki Rahadianto Sutopo (Eds) Buku Panduan Studi Kepemudaan: Teori, Metodologi, dan Isu-Isu Kontemporer, pp. 93-116. Yogyakarta:P2MPS
• Suharko., Alam, M., Harimadya, S., & Prastowo, F. (2015) Organisasi Pemuda Lingkungan di Indonesia Pasca Orde Baru. Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University Press.
• Alam, M. (2015) Green Entrepreneurship in Indonesia. in Ari Sujito (Ed). Yogyakarta: Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Politik UGM. Laporan Penelitian Jurusan. ISBN: 1-039878-127789-2.
• Alam, M. (2014) ‘Living in Agony: Understanding the Impacts of Climate Changes on Livelihood of Urban Tuvalu’ in Proceeding of International Conference on Regional Development, pp. 53-61. ISBN: 978-602-98898-9-5.
• Alam, M. (2013) 'Theorizing the Social Acceptance of Appropriate Technology’. Journal of Science &T Policy and R&D Management, July vol.11(1), pp. 82-92
• Alam, M (2012). ‘The Dynamic of Social Acceptance of Biogas Technology in Rural Community of Indonesia: Case Study of Yogyakarta Special Region’. Ecolab: Jurnal Kualitas Lingkungan Hidup, Vol. 7(1) January 2013, pp. 8-17
• Alam, M. (2013) ‘Bringing Blue Flame Home: Investigating Successful Implementation of Household Biogas Program (‘Biru’) in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Province from the View of Co-Evolutionary Framework’. Proceeding of National Seminar on 28th Technological Management. July 2013, p.1-10, ISBN: 978-602-97491-7-5.
• Alam, M.(2012) ‘Developing Framework of Climate Change–Induced Migration’. Institute of International Studies, Proceeding of Indonesian Humanitarian Action Forum 2012 ISSN 2302-7470
• Sujibto, B., Wulandari, C., and Alam, M (2011) “Share Our Care-traumabehandling til barn I naturkatastrofer” (in Norwegian), Published in Barnehagefolk ISSN: 1500-6905, Vol. 4.2011, pp.70-71.
• Murti, D.C.W., Alam, M (2010) “Televisi dan Rekonstruksi Kognitif Mitos Ketampanan (Television and Cognitive Reconstruction of Handsomeness Myth”. In ‘Quo Vadis Televisi: Masa Depan Televisi dan Televisi Masa Depan’, pp. 70-81. Communication Studies Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Atma Jaya, Yogyakarta.
• Setyawati, G, Alam, M (2009). ‘Social Capital and the Use of Traditional Birth Attendant: Is It Relevant?. Makara Journal of Health Research , Vol. 14(1), pp. 11-16. [DOI: 10.7454/msk.v14i1.641]
• Alam, M. (2009). Journey to Zero Violence: Experience of Youth-Based Civil Society Organization in Eradicating Violent Practices in the School Initiation Programme.Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik,13(1).
• Alam, M. (2009). Deceived Altruism in School: Analysis on The Involvement of School Stakeholder in Freshmen Initiation Program. Jurnal Sosiologi Profetik,3 (1).
• Aristyawati, G., Alam, M. (2009) 'Social Capital and Birth Delivery Choices by Engaging Traditional Birth Attendance: Challenges in Community Healthcare Strategy'. in Proceedings of National Seminar on  Enabling Prevention and Promotion Based Community Self-Reliance at 25^th Anniversary of Public Health Faculty, Diponegoro University, ISBN: 978-979-704-910-2.
• Alam, M (2008) “Environmental Commitment towards Biodiversity Conservation in South Sumatra”. Published in BERITA KITA! ConocoPhillips Indonesia Ltd. Inc. This Publication is distributed to international communication representative business units across Asia, North America, Europa, Australia, and Norway.
• Alam, M (2008) “Species Biodiversity in South Sumatra and Riau Islands”. Published in BERITA KITA! ConocoPhillips Indonesia Ltd. Inc. This Publication is distributed to international communication representative of the business units across Asia, North America, Europa, Middle East & North Africa, Australia, and Norway.
• Alam, M (2006)“Potret Komunitas Jawa di Kampung Kancung Darat Malaysia (A Cultural Portrayal of Javanese Community in Kancung Darat Village Malaysia)”. Published in Institute for Community Behavioral Changes News Vol.1. No.4. March 2006.
• Alam, M (2006) Reflective Insights on Education System in Indonesia. ASEAN University Network Forum Book 2006 for ASEAN University Network 2006. National University of Singapore, Pp. 11-17, 2006

Conference Paper:

• Alam, M. (2016) ‘Youth Activism for Reclaiming the Forest’. Asian Studies Association Australia Biennial Conference 2-7 July in Canberra, held by Australian National University.
• Alam, M. (2015) ‘Contentious Youth and Politics in Urban Indonesia’. Presented at Australian Research Council (ARC) Workshop, held by Anthropology Department, University of Indonesia, 1-4 December 2015.
• Alam, M. (2015) ‘Bandung as New Emerging Smart City in Indonesia’. Smart Future Cities Conference 1-3 October 2015, Tom Farrel Institute University of Newcastle.
• Alam, M., Nilan, P. (2015) ‘Urban Growth, Youth and Environmentalism driving Local Initiatives in Bandung, Indonesia’. In Theresa Petray and Anne Stephens (eds) Proceedings of The Australian Sociological Association Conference, Cairns 23-26 November 2015.
• Alam, M. (2015) ‘Kampong in Indonesia: Historicity of Marginalised Urban Dwellers in Modern Indonesia‘, presented at Pre-Departure Training for Masters in Urban and Regional Planning Students, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Sydney. 
• Alam, M (2015) ‘Learning from Childhood Experiences: A Life Trajectory of Urban Forest Activist‘. SSTAR School of Education Spring Conference. 18 September 2015, Callaghan, University of Newcastle.
• Alam, M (2014) ‘Biography and Trajectory of Young Environmental Activist: A Preliminary Findings’. Presented at School of Humanities and Social Science Autumn Symposium, University of Newcastle.
• Alam, M. (2014) ‘When Environment is Ours: Investigation into Indonesian Urban Young Activist’. Presented at Asian Studies Association Australia Biennial Conference ‘Asiascapes Contesting Borders’ 8-10 July 2014 in Perth, held by University of Western Australia.
• Alam, M. (2014)  ‘Electrifying Rural Livelihood’. Workshop and Symposium ‘Leading to Self-Reliance and Electric Power Supply in Indonesia, in September 2013, Commemorating the Establishment of Electronic and Physics  Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
• Alam, M. (2012) 'Household Innovation on The Biogas Technology'. Presented in Asia Pacific Sociological Conference at Ateneo de Manila University, The Philippines. 
• Alam, M. (2012) 'Biogas in Transition: Assessing Community Acceptance of Biogas Development in Indonesia'. Energy Research Conference 2012-Technoport 2012 ‘Sharing Possibilities", NTNU. Trondheim, pp. 248. 
• Alam, M. (2012) 'Gendered Biogas in Indonesia: Why women involvement is undermined in Energy Transition'. Presented at Research Symposium held by Nordic Asian Institute Copenhagen (NIAS), University of Copenhagen Denmark on March 12-25, 2012.
• Alam, M., Murti, D.C.W (2010) 'The Importance of Bonding Social Capital among Women in Community-Organized Decomposting (COD): A Best Practice from Yogyakarta City'. Presented at National Seminar on Urbanization and Health convened by Universitas Udaya Indonesia on October 2010.
• Alam, M., Pratiwi, N.B. (2010) 'Exploration of Government Involvement and Community Participation in the Biogas Project in Bantul'. Presented in the MILEN International Renewable Energy Conference, University of Oslo, Norway, 27-28 Dec 2010.
• Alam, Sullivan, G.B., Hayuning, T.T (2010) 'From Tears to Peace: The Social Impacts of Religious Activities on Local Integration in the Post-Earthquake Area'. International Conference on Economic stress Human Capital, and Families in Asia: Research and Policy Challenges, 3-4 June 2010, Singapore. 

Scholarships and Awards

• 2014-2017: University of Newcastle Scholarship-Central (UNRSC) 50:50
• 2014-2017: University of Newcastle Postgraduate Research Scholarship (UNIPRS)
• 2013: The Most Outstanding Master's Graduate, awarded by Dean of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. 
• 2012: Fellowship/Scholarship at Nordic Institute of Asian Studies for a 2 weeks of research at Nordic Collegium, Denmark.
• 2012: Travel Grant (worth of 3000 NOK) from Centre for Development and the Environment, University of Oslo Norway for participating in the Technoport Renewable Energy Conference 2012.
• 2010: Fully sponsored by Euro RSCG Indonesia in amount of £3000 as Indonesian delegate to attend One Young World International Summit at London, United Kingdom on February 8-10, 2010. Key issues discussed during the summit are on conflict and peace building, environmental impacts, CSR, Global Poverty and Maternity Health, Interfaith dialogue and Youth Entrepreneurship.
• 2010: Received Travel Grant from Asia Research Institute-National University of Singapore for paper-based research in the international conference on Economic Stress and Family Changing in Asia, will be conducted in June 2010.
• 2009 Appointed as international Facilitator by UNESCO in Collaboration with the State Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Indonesia and the National Commission of Indonesia to UNESCO of the Ministry of National Education, together with Local Government of Banten and West Java Province on International Conference on The Role of Youth in Establishing Peace Towards a Future World Without Violent Radicalization.
• 2008: Trusted as International Youth Representative to proclaim “Anti-Crime Declaration” in front of Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Wei Jeck Seng, in Malaysia International Youth Program (MIYP) 2009 on Crime-Free Generation in Kuala Lumpur.
• 2008: The Most Outstanding Bachelor's Graduate, awarded by Dean of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
• 2007: Funded by United State Department of State, selected as supervisor for Youth Leadership for Indonesian Programme in Florida International University, Miami, USA.
• 2006: Received Travel Grant from PPKB-Due Like (Leadership Improvement and Student Empowerment Programme) of Gadjah Mada University Indonesia for paper presentation at ASEAN University Network Programme (AUN) Forum, hosted by University Scholar Program, National University of Singapore.
• 2005: Received scholarship from Ministry of Youth and Sport Indonesia for exchange student programme and training in Institute for Youth Leadership, Port Dickson, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and carried out entrepreneur field work at Kampong Kanchong Darat, Banting, Malaysia.