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Journal of Asian Social Science Research
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025)

We are pleased to present Volume 7, Number 1, 2025 of the Journal of Asian Social Science Research, a collection that brings together critical, timely, and diverse scholarship from across Asia and beyond. This issue offers a multidisciplinary lens on the pressing social issues shaping contemporary societies, exploring themes that span education and migration, conflict and resilience, historical memory and international relations, digital transformation, and cross-cultural learning.

The issue opens with a timely study by Mehrad et al., which delves into the experiences of international students in Spain navigating academic pressures in an increasingly digitalized educational landscape. The authors provide a compelling examination of how artificial intelligence tools can serve both as aids and obstacles—alleviating educational stress while raising ethical concerns around dependency, critical thinking, and academic integrity. Their findings speak to the importance of thoughtful and ethical technology integration in higher education.

From the digital classroom, we move to the precarious edges of urban life in the Philippines. Ancho and colleagues investigate the migration histories and living conditions of informal settler families along the railway lines in Los Baños. The study reveals a cycle of vulnerability exacerbated by systemic urban planning failures, yet it also highlights resilience forged through community solidarity. The authors’ call for inclusive and participatory relocation policies is especially urgent amid intensifying urban inequality across Southeast Asia.

In India, Barman revisits one of the country's longest-running internal conflicts: the Naxalite insurgency. Through a historical and structural analysis, the paper critiques the state's predominantly militarized response and argues for a more comprehensive strategy that includes development and political dialogue. This contribution is a sobering reminder of how deep-seated inequality, if left unaddressed, continues to erode democratic institutions and social stability.

History and cooperation are the focus of Yanuardi Syukur’s review of Indonesia-Malaysia relations. By tracing a shared colonial past rooted in the spice trade and the strategic Strait of Malacca, the paper argues that cultural and historical affinities offer untapped potential for regional cooperation. In a time of growing geopolitical shifts and regional integration, this essay invites readers to revisit history not as a source of division, but as a bridge to a common future.

The fifth article by Hasanah et al. explores the transformative power of language learning in shaping perceptions of society. Focusing on Indonesian students studying Korean, the research demonstrates how increased linguistic and cultural proficiency correlates with deeper understanding of South Korean social issues. The findings suggest that language education is not merely instrumental—it is a pathway to empathy, intercultural awareness, and critical global citizenship.

Finally, Fjellrik and Blikstad-Balas offer a poignant narrative study of Afghan female teachers who continued their professional journeys amidst the Taliban’s return to power. What emerges is a deeply textured account of how male support—both progressive and paradoxical—shaped women's educational resilience in patriarchal settings. Grounded in critical pedagogy and feminist theory, this paper is a powerful testament to resistance, relational agency, and the enduring importance of education in conflict zones.

Together, the articles in this issue affirm the journal’s mission: to provide a platform for empirically grounded, theoretically rich, and socially relevant research that advances understanding of Asia’s diverse social realities. We extend our gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and editorial team whose rigorous work made this volume possible.

May this issue inspire critical reflection, scholarly dialogue, and actionable insight for readers across disciplines and regions.

Asep Iqbal, Ph.D.

Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Asian Social Science Research
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024)

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
Journal of Asian Social Science Research
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024)

The Journal of Asian Social Science Research (JASSR) continues its mission to spotlight diverse, interdisciplinary research across Asia with its first issue of 2024. This edition features a range of studies that not only address pressing regional concerns but also contribute to broader global debates. From the implications of digital labor to the geopolitics of renewable energy, the articles in this volume reflect the dynamic interplay between local contexts and global systems, offering rich insights and actionable recommendations.

The opening article “Short Video Entrepreneurship among Smallholder Farmers in the Era of Digital Intelligence: An Exploration of Labour Alienation” by Yuying Li, delves into the nuanced challenges faced by smallholder farmers in China who embrace digital entrepreneurship. Drawing on a digital labor alienation framework, this study critically examines the impact of algorithmic manipulation and digital inequalities on farmers' autonomy and identity. By highlighting the unintended consequences of digital platforms on marginalized communities, the research underscores the need for equitable and inclusive technological innovation in rural development.

The integration of climate education into formal and informal learning systems is explored in “Mitigating Climate Crisis: Integrating Climate Education into Educational System for Social Welfare Enhancement in Indonesia” by Leonyta Anggun Nugroho and Muhammad Raafi. This study proposes a comprehensive framework for embedding climate education into Indonesia’s educational institutions, emphasizing its potential to foster resilience and enhance social welfare, particularly for vulnerable communities. The article advocates for interactive, action-oriented approaches to climate learning, highlighting the transformative role of universities in driving sustainability efforts and empowering future leaders.

Energy geopolitics takes center stage in “Geopolitics of Laos Renewable Energy and the Development of Water Energy for the Integrated Southeast Asia's Electricity” by Bevita Sari and Ramaldy Krisna Indradipradana. The authors investigate Laos' strategic positioning in the Southeast Asian renewable energy market, focusing on its hydropower initiatives. The study illustrates how Laos leverages both regional and international partnerships to mitigate energy poverty while fostering sustainable development. By situating these findings within the broader context of renewable energy geopolitics, the article provides valuable insights into the intersections of policy, technology, and community engagement.

Duyen Thi Nguyen and Thuy Thanh Dao’s article, “Factors Influencing Community Resource Mobilization to Support Households in Achieving Sustainable Poverty Alleviation: The Case of Dao People in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam,” examines the dual influences of internal and external factors in resource mobilization for poverty alleviation. Through a detailed analysis of Dao households, this research sheds light on how education, skills, and physical capital interact with state and non-governmental support to drive sustainable outcomes. The study offers a critical perspective on community-driven development and its role in addressing persistent poverty in Asia.

Addressing the intersection of gender and labor, “Childcare Centre Facilities and their Impact on the Performance of Working Mothers in Dhaka, Bangladesh” by Nahida Shaulin explores how access to childcare facilities shapes the productivity and well-being of employed mothers in urban Bangladesh. The findings underscore the significant relationship between childcare availability and job performance, highlighting the need for policy reforms to support working mothers. This article contributes to ongoing conversations on women's empowerment and workforce equity, emphasizing childcare as a pivotal factor in balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Together, the articles in this issue reflect the diversity and depth of contemporary social science research in Asia. By addressing challenges such as digital inequality, climate change, renewable energy, poverty alleviation, and gender equity, the authors advance scholarship that is not only regionally grounded but also globally resonant. JASSR remains committed to fostering academic dialogue and producing research that bridges disciplines and geographies, offering fresh perspectives on the complex issues shaping our world.

The editorial team wishes readers an enlightening and inspiring experience as they explore the insightful scholarship featured in this volume.

Asep Iqbal
JASSR Vol. 5, No. 2, 2023
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2023)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.
Journal of Asian Social Science Research
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2023)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2022)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2022)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2021)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2021)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2020)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2020)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2019)

Journal of Asian Social Science Research is an international peer-reviewed and open access academic journal since 2019. The Journal aims to contribute to the development of Asian social science and the epistemologies of the Global South by providing a forum for researchers, academics and policy-makers to publish their research on the broad issues on Asia or related to Asia from the perspective of global cognitive justice. It has a vision to be a leading, internationally recognized journal in studies on Asia from the perspective of social science with the epistemologies of the Global South without ignoring those of the Global North.

The Journal seeks to publish original and high-quality research articles and review papers that deal with contemporary issues on Asia or related to Asia from the critical perspectives of social sciences including, but not limited to, sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration, communication studies, media studies, religious studies, history, and cultural studies. The Journal particularly has a strong interest in comparative, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies on societies in Asia or related to Asia. It provides scholars with a space to move beyond conventional ideas of borders. Case studies on two or more countries of Asia and its related countries or regions are warmly welcomed.