The Journal of Asian Social Science Research (JASSR) continues to serve as a platform for rigorous interdisciplinary scholarship that examines the diverse social, cultural, and legal dynamics shaping Asian societies. This issue, Volume 6, Number 2, showcases a diverse range of studies that address key contemporary challenges and transformations within Asia, from ethnic identity contestations and cultural negotiations with modernity to the intersections of law, gender, and public perceptions in governance. Each article in this issue offers critical insights into the complexities of social structures and human agency in their respective contexts, contributing to a deeper understanding of Asian societies in flux. 

The first article by Rajmoni Singha examines the contentious dynamics of ethnic identity construction in Bangladesh, focusing on the Manipuri and Bishnupriya communities. Through a meticulous qualitative approach, Singha illuminates how identity claims—shaped by linguistic, cultural, and historical distinctions—become sites of tension and contestation. This study not only highlights the challenges faced by the Manipuri community in preserving their ethnic identity but also addresses broader questions about the politics of recognition and minority rights in South Asia. 

Next, Didin Nurul Rosidin and co-authors present an in-depth exploration of Benda Kerep village in Cirebon, Indonesia, as it navigates the pressures of modernity while maintaining its rich cultural heritage. Employing a historical and descriptive-analytical framework, the study uncovers the community’s adaptive strategies, from integrating modern education systems to embracing new technologies within traditional rituals. This duality underscores the nuanced ways in which local communities negotiate the demands of modernization while preserving cultural continuity. 

Siti Muflichah’s contribution offers a feminist critique of the structural inequities faced by female academics in Indonesian Islamic higher education institutions. Drawing on postcolonial feminist theory, the study vividly portrays the resilience of Indonesian Muslim women scholars as they contend with systemic gender biases, cultural expectations, and the constraints of new managerialism. The findings provide a poignant call to address these entrenched disparities and pave the way for more equitable academic practices and leadership opportunities. 

In a timely and critical legal analysis, Hartato Pakpahan and colleagues propose reforms to Indonesia’s narcotics law from a humanist perspective. By juxtaposing the punitive approaches of Indonesia’s current legal framework with rehabilitative models from countries such as the Netherlands and Portugal, the authors argue for a shift toward restorative justice and social rehabilitation. This article contributes to the ongoing debate about drug policy reform, highlighting the need for laws that balance public health, social equity, and justice in addressing personal drug misuse. 

Duyen Thi Nguyen’s case study on the career transitions of rural workers in Vietnam’s Nghi Son Economic Zone sheds light on the socioeconomic consequences of land acquisition and resettlement. With statistical rigor and a deep sensitivity to the lived experiences of displaced individuals, this study provides a nuanced understanding of how industrialization and urbanization reshape livelihoods and expectations, emphasizing the importance of equitable and inclusive development policies. 

Finally, Maskur and colleagues delve into the symbolic-compliance gap in the enforcement of Sharia law in Aceh, Indonesia. Focusing on the perspectives of becak drivers, the study unveils the dissonance between the symbolic authority of religious law and its practical enforcement. The proposed theory of Symbolic-Compliance Dynamics enriches the discourse on religious governance, highlighting the necessity of community-centered approaches that prioritize fairness, consistency, and meaningful moral education. 

Together, these articles exemplify the rich diversity of Asian social science research and the critical importance of interdisciplinary inquiry in addressing the region’s pressing social, cultural, and legal challenges. The editors are confident that this issue will inspire further scholarship and dialogue, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of Asian societies. 

We extend our gratitude to the authors for their contributions and to the reviewers for their invaluable insights and dedication to upholding the journal’s academic rigor. 

The editorial team hopes that readers find the articles both enlightening and inspiring, and that they enjoy engaging with the rich scholarship presented in this volume.

Asep Iqbal