Latest news with #Makassar
SBS Australia
11-08-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
From Sulawesi to Arnhem Land: The Story of Relationship of Sea Cucumber Traders and First Nations Peoples
LISTEN TO SBS Indonesian 17:06 Indonesian The relationship between cucumber traders and Indigenous peoples in Australia involved long-standing historical exchanges, beginning with Makassar fishermen trading sea cucumbers for goods, which had a major impact on the local culture and language. In this interview, Daeng Abdi Karya, an artist from Makassar, recounts a humanitarian initiative that successfully reunited families separated for more than a hundred years. The initiative focuses on tracing the footsteps of a Makassar sailor named Husaing Daeng Rangka (also known as Yuching by the Yolngu community) who had two wives in Makassar and two in the Yolngu community, Australia. After new immigration laws were enacted in 1906, Husaing was unable to return to Australia, so he was separated from his family there. The tracing process is underpinned by Australian government archival records and, more importantly, by the 'songlines' or traditional chants of the Yolngu tribe that hold the stories and memories of Makassar sailors. Yolngu man, Arian Pearson (standing, L) performs an Indigenous dance depicting colours brought over by Macassan people. Credit: KJRI Sydney Although on the Makassar side there are no similar records, the stories from the descendants of the sailors who were passed down orally became key. A team of artists and academics managed to identify a fifth descendant of Husaing Daeng Rangka, from both the Makassar and Yolngu sides. The meeting was organized on the banks of the Jeneberang River in Makassar, a very historic location as it was the center of civilization of the Kingdom of Gowa. This gathering was not only a family reunion, but also a sacred ritual attended by Husaing descendants from Makassar, descendants from the Yolngu tribe, and some Aboriginal elders from South Australia. The ceremony was accompanied by classical music and dance of Makassar, as well as traditional Yolngu chants that reaffirmed the collective memory of both sides. This reunion shows that the history of both countries exists not only in the formal record, but also lives on in folklore and oral traditions. This story affirms the importance of recognizing and documenting Indigenous narratives that are often overlooked in the national education curriculum. Daeng Abdi Karya hopes that stories like these will continue to be unearthed and immortalized through art, making them accessible to a wide audience and strengthening the connection between Indonesia and Australia. Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram , and don't miss our podcasts .
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AI, social media redefining influence in consumer behaviour —Expert
A tech expert and co-founder of TechNovelle, Victoria Ogunsanya, has identified the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and Social media as technologies that have not only redefined communication and commerce, but dramatically reshaped the way people think, behave and decide. Ogunsanya made the observation while delivering a paper at the recent International Seminar of the Yappi Makassar School of Administrative Sciences (STIA) with the Association of Indonesian Social Science Researchers and Teachers (APPISI). At the seminar tagged 'Navigating the Digital Era: The Impact of AI and Social Media on Human Behaviour and Society', the tech expert argued that though operating subtly, the impact of these technologies on politics and consumer markets remains huge. Victoria, while delivering a paper on the expanding role of AI in shaping political engagement and consumer decision-making, added that from micro-targeted political messaging to predictive consumer marketing, AI and social media platforms now wield unparalleled influence over public opinion and decision-making. The TechNovelle boss explored the multifaceted ways in which the technologies intersect with political campaigns and digital marketing, while critically examining their implications for democratic processes, consumer autonomy, and societal well-being. She highlighted how campaigns are now powered by sophisticated AI tools capable of microtargeting voters with personalised messages based on behavioural data, and conducting real-time sentiment analysis to adjust messaging strategies. Victoria, however, noted that despite the benefits, the advent of those technologies is not without its inherent risks, too. 'The use of deepfake technologies, automated disinformation, and algorithmic echo chambers is contributing to voter manipulation, polarisation, and declining trust in democratic institutions. 'We've entered an era where the difference between influence and manipulation is increasingly blurred,' Victoria said. Shifting to the commercial sector, Victoria also shed light on how AI is revolutionising marketing by creating hyper-personalised consumer experiences. Through predictive analytics, she stated, companies can anticipate needs before consumers even express them, driving purchasing behaviour in ways that feel seamless yet often subconscious. She therefore called for multi-stakeholder collaboration among technologists, policymakers, brands, and citizens to ensure that AI and social media serve the public good rather than private or partisan interests. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
