Bridging knowledge across nations

Richard’s last years were spent at the University of Melbourne’s Asia Institute as an Honorary Fellow, where he found a stimulating and supportive environment, connections with other scholars of Indonesia and opportunities to continue working with Indonesian students.

Richard’s wife, Janet, reflects on his later years at the University: “This time meant a lot to Richard. The Asia Institute gave him a home, where his work was valued, and his ideas were met with interest. It tuned into Richard’s passion.”

This same passion continues through the Richard Chauvel PhD Scholarship. Established through a gift in Richard's Will, the scholarship supports a student enrolling in the Doctor of Philosophy – Arts, particularly candidates from Eastern Indonesia or researchers working on projects in Papua.

Her journalism background informs her PhD, which examines how investigative journalists experience and report on the South Papuan food estate, a government-led large-scale agricultural development. While these projects aim to boost economic growth and food security, Grace is focusing on the major social and environmental impacts on local communities, centring Indigenous South Papuans’ experiences of life on the ecological frontlines.

Grace speaks with deep gratitude about Richard’s gift.

“As an Eastern Indonesian woman raised on Papuan soil, I pursue this research with a sense of responsibility for truth telling and accountability in terms that ordinary people can relate to.

I am grateful for the gift that enables me to pursue this research and everything it stands for, and highly regard Dr Chauvel’s example as ideals to emulate in my own scholarly presence.”

The scholarship now continues this spotlight on Eastern Indonesia with the 2026 recipient Muhammad Rayhan Sudrajat. Rayhan’s research explores Eastern Indonesian musical traditions from Papua within Melbourne’s diasporic communities, examining how culture and identity are sustained across borders.