About Us – Solidaritas Selatan, Pembangunan, dan Transformasi Tata Kelola Dunia Berkeadilan

About GSS

Established under the Department of International Relations, Universitas Indonesia, the Global South Solidarity, Development, and Transformation of Global Justice Research Cluster (GSS) was formed in response to contemporary global political dynamics marked by the rising role and influence of countries in the Global South. Amid persistent inequalities in global governance structures, there has been a growing imperative to uphold and expand the values of solidarity, justice, and the right to development—not only at the state level, but also at the level of individuals and communities.

As an academic platform, the cluster serves as a space for knowledge production that is explicitly committed to these values. Through interdisciplinary and participatory approaches, the cluster aims to strengthen the voices and positions of Global South countries as well as marginalized groups within global development discourses and practices. In doing so, it seeks to contribute to the transformation of global governance toward more just, inclusive, and sustainable arrangements, while also informing policy debates and development practices grounded in equity and social justice.

The establishment of this research cluster is particularly relevant in the context of Indonesia’s growing international role and leadership, which now extends beyond Southeast Asia. The international community has increasingly recognized Indonesia as a key actor within the Global South. In this regard, Universitas Indonesia has both the opportunity and responsibility to contribute intellectually and institutionally to the advancement of Indonesia’s foreign policy objectives, particularly those aimed at promoting a more just global order.

GSS is led by Asra Virgianita, Ph.D., who serves as the Head of the Research Cluster. She is an Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations, Universitas Indonesia, with extensive academic and policy-oriented experience in the fields of Global South studies, development, gender and social justice, and global governance. Her scholarly work critically engages with issues of inequality, power relations, and transformation in global political and development processes, particularly from the perspective of the Global South. Through her leadership, GSS is guided by a strong commitment to critical, interdisciplinary, and socially engaged research that bridges academic inquiry with policy relevance and societal impact.

Vision

To become a leading research hub advancing justice-oriented global governance by amplifying Global South perspectives, strengthening solidarity, and producing critical knowledge that supports inclusive, sustainable, and equitable development.

Mission

Producing critical, interdisciplinary, and policy-relevant research on key structural challenges faced by Global South countries, with a particular focus on climate justice, energy transition, the right to development, food security, and fair trade.
Centering marginalized voices and vulnerable communities—including women, indigenous peoples, small-scale farmers, workers, and informal sectors—through participatory, community-based, and socially engaged research approaches.
Advancing justice-oriented perspectives in global governance and development, by critically examining power asymmetries, political economy dynamics, and unequal global systems that shape development outcomes in the Global South.
Strengthening South–South cooperation and solidarity, while promoting Indonesia’s strategic role and leadership in regional and global development, climate, energy, and trade governance forums.
Bridging academic research and policy advocacy, by generating impactful outputs such as policy briefs, academic publications, learning modules, and policy recommendations for governments, international organizations, and civil society.