Dr Emirza Adi Syailendra is a Research Fellow at the Maritime Security Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He was formerly a Research Fellow at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC), Australian National University (ANU), where he led a multi-year project on Indonesia’s evolving maritime strategy. This initiative convened Indonesian and Australian scholars, and he oversaw reports, publications, and continues to drive multiple academic outputs.
Emir holds a PhD from ANU under the supervision of Professor Evelyn Goh. His current research focuses on maritime security in Southeast Asia. His doctoral research explains why Southeast Asian states have continued to exercise restraint towards China in the post–Cold War era despite Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. Emir develops an innovative framework on tacit understandings that sheds new light on mutual restraint in great power–small state relations. Praised by all three examiners for its conceptual and empirical contributions, his thesis is being revised for publication with a leading university press.
Emir’s core strength lies in translational research—bridging deep, fieldwork-driven empirical research with policy-relevant and theoretically rigorous insights. He has published in Asian Security, Asian Politics and Society, World Development, Asia Policy, and Indonesia, while also contributing commentary to Foreign Affairs, People’s Daily, CSIS AMTI, World Politics Review, and other platforms.
He has conducted extensive fieldwork across Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, securing cumulatively over USD 303,480 in competitive research grants (as lead or co–chief investigator) to advance this agenda. He has published widely in both academic and policy outlets, with several further publications in progress. He regularly briefs policymakers, contributes to public debates, and develops innovative teaching resources, including a video series supported by ANU and grant funding.
As a teacher, Emir is known for his enthusiasm, approachability, and effectiveness. He has received multiple commendations for excellence in teaching and consistently strong student evaluations across diverse cohorts.
