Yogyakarta, FAH News online — Yoga Difa Perdana, S.Hum., an alumnus of the History and Islamic Civilization program and currently a master’s student in Islamic History and Culture, represented the Faculty of Adab and Humanities at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta at the international conference HOMSEA (History of Medicine in Southeast Asia), held at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, from June 23–27, 2025. The event was attended by health history experts from various countries, including Australia, the United States, Japan, China, and many others. 

HOMSEA is an organization founded in 2005 by Prof. Laurence Monnais and Dr. Rethy Chhem to promote research on health history in Southeast Asia. With diverse colonial backgrounds and similar health challenges in the region, HOMSEA aims to bridge researchers from Global North countries and Southeast Asia through biennial conferences and idea-exchange forums. 

On this occasion, Yoga presented his research titled "The Anti-Opium Movement in the Netherlands Indies, 1913–1940" on Thursday, June 26, 2025. His work caught the attention of historians from countries such as Australia, the United States, China, Japan, as well as Indonesian researchers. 

Yoga’s participation in HOMSEA not only highlights the quality of his academic research but also underscores the importance of contributions from young Indonesian scholars to global health history discourse and other historical themes. 

Beyond an academic opportunity, Yoga’s involvement in the conference was an intellectually meaningful journey. His interest in the opium theme stemmed from the realization that this issue remains understudied, particularly regarding organizations and associations opposing opium abuse in the Dutch East Indies. "I also highlighted the role of Islamic organizations like Sarekat Islam and Muhammadiyah in the anti-opium movement," Yoga explained. 

His research focused on the social and political dynamics between 1913 and 1940, when the colonial government and the Opiumregie institution exploited the opium trade for profit. "They were aware of opium’s harmful effects on natives' health and socio-economic lives but continued its sale. Hence, anti-opium organizations regularly conducted propaganda as resistance," he added. 

Yoga noted that opium was not merely a recreational substance or addiction but originally a medical substance later misused. "Over time, opium became a symbol of power and an instrument of exploitation. In 1918, it was even used by certain individuals as a tool to desecrate religion. This is a fascinating dimension to explore further," he said. 

Yoga submitted his abstract to the HOMSEA committee two months before the event. With modest expectations, he was surprised when his research was accepted, and he was invited as a speaker. "This isn’t just an academic forum but also a space for intellectual growth,"he remarked. 

When presenting his findings to global health history experts, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many questions were raised about his access to primary sources, materials used, and his research process on this complex issue. "Participants and panelists were highly enthusiastic, asking numerous questions about my work,"he shared. 

During the conference, Yoga engaged in discussions with researchers from diverse backgrounds, calling it an invaluable experience. "When our research is valued, presented, and debated in academic forums, all the struggles feel worthwhile," he said. 

Academically, Yoga’s participation solidified his position as a researcher of Southeast Asian health history. He received extensive feedback to broaden his perspectives and deepen his analysis. Moving forward, Yoga plans to focus further on opium in the Dutch East Indies, with a sharper approach to the role of Islamic figures in the anti-opium movement. This will require more primary sources and relevant literature. 

In closing, Yoga shared a message for students interested in historical research: "Don’t hesitate to explore rarely touched themes. That’s where the opportunity to make new contributions lies."He emphasized that research is challenging—requiring extensive reading, sourcing, and facing rejections—but when the work is presented and appreciated, every effort becomes meaningful.

"Don’t be afraid to start small, as it’s the path to impactful research. As Leopold von Ranke said, ‘No document, no history.’ Our duty as historians is to keep searching, reading, and honestly and critically recording traces of the past."

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