Summer Research Program - 2022/23 Projects

Project title: 

Mapping experiences of torture during Aceh’s separatist war

Project duration, hours of engagement & delivery mode

• 8 weeks (negotiable start and end dates)
• 30 hours per week (240 hours total)
• The applicants will be required on-site for much of the project, particularly at the start in order to undergo some training with the dataset and briefings on the ethical requirements for the project. Some of the work may be done remotely, but it is preferred that most of the time is spent on-site.

Description:

The summer project will focus on reading, analysing and coding a large dataset pertaining to experiences of torture during the separatist war in Aceh (1976–2005), Indonesia. Original materials are in Indonesian (with some Acehnese), and applicants will need native speaker/advanced reading level capacity in Indonesian and English. Once coded, applicants will input information into a database (training to be provided), as well as translate select sections of the original materials into English. The work involves careful attention to detail, self-motivation, and sensitivity.

The materials are highly confidential, and successful applicants will be required to adhere to strict ethical and data security protocols. Because of the nature of the materials, applicants should be aware that the content may be distressing. The advisor (Dr Pohlman) will be on-hand throughout the summer to meet and debrief about the project.

Expected outcomes and deliverables:

This summer project is part of larger attempt to map the spread and occurrences of torture during Indonesia’s military regime (1965–1998). The project combines qualitative and quantitative elements, and involves hands-on training in coding and dataset-building. During the project, successful applicants will work on sensitive materials using a human rights’ archival approach.

Because of the sensitivity of the materials, there will be no opportunities to publish outcomes from the summer project; any student who works on the project will be acknowledged for their contributions in future published outcomes (with their consent).

Suitable for:

This project requires either native speaker/advanced speaker fluency in Indonesian and English. Students with an interest in Indonesia, human rights, documentation of serious abuses, or history/law should apply. Successful applicants should demonstrate careful attention to detail, self-motivation and sensitivity. Only those students prepared to adhere to strict ethical, confidentiality and data security protocols should apply.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Annie Pohlman

Further info:

Dr Pohlman would prefer to meet with applicants prior to submission of applications, to discuss the ethical and other guidelines of the project. At least one week prior to the deadline, please email her (a.pohlman@uq.edu.au) to make an appointment.