From 28 to 29 October 2025, the University of 17 August 1945 (Untag) Surabaya hosted the fourth International Conference on English Studies (ICONESIA). Two of Creative Digital English  faculty Members – Paramita Ayuningtyas and Listya Ayu Saraswati – took part in it, presenting their research for the world to see!

ICONESIA is a biennial conference held by the English Studies Association in Indonesia (ESAI), the purpose of which is to give a space for English lecturers to present their research papers. The theme of this year’s conference was “Cultural Dialogues: English Studies in a Globalized World”.

Miss Mita’s paper was titled “Problematising The White Man’s Closet: A Study of Homosexuality and Colonialism in Arctic Summer (2014)”. It examines the eponymous novel from a post-colonial lens, bringing up the argument that the main character, Morgan, uses his white privileges to explore his homosexual desires through the subjugation and exploitation of colonised people.

Miss Listya, meanwhile, presented Mediating Motherhood: Tracing the Trajectory from State Ibuism to Momfluencers in Indonesia. It investigates the evolving trajectory of motherhood representation in Indonesian media, focusing on how sociocultural, economic, and technological changes have reshaped narratives and practices of maternal identity.

Both of our lecturers expressed enjoyment regarding their time during ICONESIA and considered it a great experience due to being able to talk about their research on a wider stage, as well as receive constructive feedback and questions that gave further insight into their respective topics.

From the rest of us in the Creative Digital English department, we wish them the best in their dissertations!