1. What will you be working on during your time as SEAC Visiting Fellow?
During my fellowship I’ll be working on some publications, including an outline for a new book on the topic of the Politics of Tobacco Policy in Indonesia. I’m looking forward to having some quarantined time to think about what specific topics the book will cover. Based on research and fieldwork I’ve been conducting since 2019, I’m looking at themes ranging from national-level debates about tobacco control to the micro-level politics of tobacco farming communities and the development and dynamics of tobacco-user communities in Indonesia.
2. What led you to your field of study/what inspired your interest in these topics?
I’ve always been interested in political behavior that (normatively) seems to go against moral ideals. It’s easy to problematise issues like corruption and tobacco use, which seem to be clearly harmful, and to argue for why combatting them should be a government priority. However, in Indonesia, large-scale corruption continues and the tobacco industry thrives. I enjoy challenging myself to understand why this is and to try and see the issue through the eyes of those who are intricately involved—what motivates them and what explains their perspectives? With this understanding we can begin to untangle how to address such concerns.
3.How do you like to relax and unwind?
When the weather is good, I love to go for walks, either surrounded by interesting environments or exploring the city, sometimes with a podcast. Back home, I enjoy the occasional Flying Trapeze session too. If the weather isn’t that great, you can find me reading a book or watching a ridiculous murder mystery/crime TV show with a coffee or a wine (depending on the time of day!).
