From research design to the conference stage: Eastern Indonesia Research Boot Camp participants present at IRSA 2026
From research design to the conference stage: Eastern Indonesia Research Boot Camp participants present at IRSA 2026
Months of learning, mentoring and collaboration culminated this week as participants from the ANU Indonesia Project–KONEKSI Eastern Indonesia Research Boot Camps took to the stage at the 21st Indonesian Regional Science Association (IRSA) International Conference in Bandar Lampung, presenting their research to an international audience of academics, policymakers and development practitioners.
Delivered in partnership with KONEKSI, the Boot Camps bring together researchers from Eastern Indonesia and the KONEKSI Disability Network to strengthen research and presentation skills, expand professional networks, and amplify research that brings important regional perspectives to national and international audiences.
The journey began in Manado in February, where Boot Camp 1 focused on strengthening research skills. Through intensive workshops on qualitative and quantitative research methods, participants further developed their research by refining research design, strengthening proposals, and receiving detailed feedback from ANU academics and peers. Over the following months, participants continued to build on this work through online mentoring with the ANU Indonesia Project team and Pak Nurhady Sirimorok (Hasanuddin University), whose ongoing guidance helped participants further refine their papers in preparation for IRSA 2026.
Held immediately before IRSA 2026 in Bandar Lampung, Boot Camp 2 shifted the focus to presentation skills. Through one-on-one coaching, presentation workshops and individual feedback, participants refined their conference presentations, strengthened their key messages, enhanced slide design and delivery, and prepared to communicate their research with confidence to an international audience.
For the ANU Indonesia Project team, one of the most rewarding moments of the conference was seeing participants put these skills into practice, confidently presenting their work, engaging in thoughtful discussion with fellow researchers, and building new professional connections with colleagues from across Indonesia and beyond.
Researchers presenting at IRSA 2026 included:
- Daeva Mubarika Raisa – University of Mataram
- Yakob Setvason Osingmahi – Garamin NTT
- Bella Claudia Frederika Camerling – Pattimura University
- Putu Oki Bimantara – Udayana University
- Marice Yuliana Mauboy – Yayasan Tunas Aksara
- Sholihati Lathifa Sakina – University of Mataram
- Yosmina Tapilatu – BRIN
- Rahma Temarwut – Banda Naira University
- Evelin Parera – Pattimura University
- Katerina Bataha – Sam Ratulangi University
- Elo Kusuma Alfred Mandeville – AIDRAN
- Pisi Bethania Titalessy – University of Cendrawasih
- Windy Natalia Nusaly – Pattimura University
- Indri Setyawati – Mandala Waluya University
- Hijrah Lahaling – Law and Gender Research Institute (Leaders Institute), Gorontalo
- Jamaluddin Fitrah Alam – Hasanuddin University
- Yohana Maitimu – PERTUNI Maluku
- Mira Aulia – LIRA Disability Care
Throughout the conference, participants shared research spanning disability inclusion, gender equality, food systems, regional development, renewable energy, labour markets, public policy and community resilience. Their presentations showcased the depth and diversity of research being undertaken across Eastern Indonesia and demonstrated the value of bringing local knowledge and perspectives into national and international research conversations.
The ANU Indonesia Project is proud to partner with KONEKSI on the Eastern Indonesia Research Boot Camps, which combine research training, mentoring and presentation skills development to support researchers throughout the research communication process. The program reflects a shared commitment to gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) by expanding opportunities for researchers from Eastern Indonesia and the KONEKSI Disability Network to engage with national and international research communities. By strengthening research and presentation skills, fostering new collaborations, and amplifying the voices of researchers from Eastern Indonesia, the Boot Camps are helping increase the visibility and impact of research that can inform more inclusive and evidence-informed policy and development across Indonesia.
Congratulations to every participant on their outstanding presentations, and thank you to KONEKSI for its continued partnership in supporting researchers to develop their skills, expand their networks, and share research that will make a difference in communities across Indonesia.