Indonesian Studies

Degree: Master of Arts in Indonesian Studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Specialisations:
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The one-year MA in Indonesian Studies is an intensive study of Southeast Asia—with a strong focus on Indonesia—which emphasises particular disciplines within the humanities as well as the social sciences.
In the programme you will work with materials from the area, and study in detail the rich and diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of maritime Indonesia.

The information about this programme is available in the following languages:

Covering a broad swathe of academic disciplines that concentrate on one commonality—Indonesia—the programme is aimed at a variety of academic backgrounds. The programme is equally relevant if you have followed the BA in Languages and Cultures of Indonesia or a more general discipline and want to build up expertise on Indonesia.
The programme aims to strengthen your cultural and linguistic insights and competence into the region, while offering you the chance to specialise on topics of particular interest to you.

Prof. Arps

“A characteristic of our study is that it is strongly empirical: we offer factual material as well as comparative historical perspectives.”

“In 1992 I obtained my doctorate with my dissertation on Tembang in Two Traditions, a study of the handing down of the recital of Javanese poems in two different traditions, the tradition of a Javanese court in Central Java, and of the countryside in the far eastern part of Java, towards Bali. I placed ancient Javanese traditions in a modern context. My specialist field is modern media, music and Javanese theatre. My fascination can be traced back to my youth when I first came into contact with gamelan music, and played in a gamelan orchestra.

There are very few departments anywhere in the world which can measure up to the one in Leiden. Leiden has a long tradition in the field of studying Indonesia. The book collection of the University Library is unparalleled anywhere. Also outside the university, students have access to unique sources, such as the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV). The staff corps also has eminent and active researchers.

A characteristic of our study is that it is strongly empirical: we offer a lot of factual material as well as comparative historical perspectives. This approach attracts students from all parts of the world.”