Foreword

• Author: Pranoto Iskandar
• Pages: ix-ix

FOREWORD

Pranoto Iskandar

roughout the rst year, we unexpectedly faced some surprising chal-

lenges. Perhaps, the most daunting challenge was the feverish expectation

among the local community to yield a better than the national average

result. To be sure, this has not only introduced some invaluable opportu-

nities but also compelled us to produce some inevitable mistakes in order

to enter uncharted territory.

Nevertheless, I am condent that this showed that there is more

going on than my hunch might have suggested. is can be shown in

some pioneering studies that appeared in the rst volume. In the context

of Indonesian studies, for example, Dian Shah critically examined the

ambigous model of Indonesian half-hearted secularism.1 In addition,

much to our delightful surprise, Adam Wallwork’s Economics of Cultural

Property Laws2 made a foray into the public sphere.3 All in all, I expect

that this endeavor might stand a chance.

More importantly, this rst year has taught that it is evident that

this unlikely enterprise can only be realized and nurtured through the

seemingly improbable collaborative eorts among the like minded. For

that matter, I would also like to acknowledge the editorial burden sharing

as well reviewing supports from the board and so many other individuals

to whom I frequently turn to with my many extraneous and frivolous

requests. Ultimately, I am hopeful that this journal will go beyond the

“monkey see, monkey do” model, and generate a more positive scholarly

contribution in the foreseeable future.

1. Dian A. H. Shah, Constitutional Arrangements on Religion and Religious Freedom

in Malaysia and Indonesia: Furthering or Inhibiting Rights?, 1 I. J. I’ L.

260-99 (2014).

2. Adam Wallwork, e Economics of Cultural Property Laws, 1 I. J. I’ L.

1-35 (2014).

3. Adam Wallwork, e Archaeology Paradox: More Law, Less Treasure, L.A. T

(Apr. 7, 2014), http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-wallwork-

antiquities-law-downside-20140407-story.html.