LaKaspia (The Aceh Institute for Social and Political Studies) is a non-profit, independent research institute based in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, dedicated to advancing scholarly analysis and practical solutions on issues of social transformation, political governance, peacebuilding, and civil society development—particularly within the Acehnese context. Originally established on December 10, 1999, LaKaspia underwent structural reform on October 4, 2022, positioning itself as a revitalized platform for academic research, critical discourse, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Mission and Focus Areas
1. Research and Policy Analysis
LaKaspia conducts in-depth research and empirical studies on critical themes such as post-conflict governance, autonomy implementation in Aceh, democratic participation, and the social effects of peace agreements. These studies aim to inform policy formulation and enhance public understanding of complex regional dynamics.
2. Academic Publishing and Journal Management
Through its Open Journal Systems (OJS)-based platforms, LaKaspia manages and publishes scholarly journals, offering open-access resources to academics, practitioners, and educators. The institute also provides technical support for journal development and editorial workflows.
3. Capacity Building and Public Engagement
LaKaspia facilitates seminars, workshops, focus group discussions, and community-based training programs on topics related to peace education, governance, human rights, and conflict resolution. These activities often involve partnerships with universities, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders.
Workshop & Training
Partnership & Collaboration
Strengthening Academic Synergy for Research, Publication, and Sustainable Peace
At LaKaspia – The Aceh Institute for Social and Political Studies, we believe that impactful academic and social progress is rooted in collaboration. Our partnerships with universities, embassies, NGOs, and education boards are designed to advance shared goals in research, publication, education, and peacebuilding—particularly within the context of Aceh and Indonesia.
University Partnerships
LaKaspia maintains strategic collaborations with several higher education institutions in Aceh, focusing on Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi: research, education, and community service.
- Universitas Jabal Ghafur – Research collaboration, journal publication, and community engagement.
- Universitas Malikussaleh – Academic research, public discourse, and peace-focused workshops.
- Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Ar-Raniry – Research, journal development, and interfaith peace initiatives.
- Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) – Journal management training (delivered by LaKaspia researchers), student research support, and peace education outreach.
Several faculty members from these institutions are also actively involved as researchers at LaKaspia, contributing to our academic output and public programs.
Institutional and International Collaborations
- Embassy of the Netherlands – Support for peace education, civil protection training, and regional workshops on sustainable peace and civic resilience.
- Local NGOs & Student Organizations – Facilitation of field-based research, youth engagement programs, and community peacebuilding workshops.
- Regional Madrasah Boards – Cooperation in educational innovation, pedagogical research, and integrating peace values into religious education curricula.
Forms of Collaboration
LaKaspia’s partnerships take various forms, including:
- Joint research projects and publications
- Co-hosted seminars, workshops, and public forums
- Technical assistance for journal management and OJS hosting
- Community-based initiatives and field research
- Training and capacity building for educators and students
All collaborations are formalized through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Specific Cooperation Agreements (PKS) that outline shared objectives, roles, and accountability mechanisms.