Rate Professor Simon Butt

Professional Summary: Professor Simon Butt

Professor Simon Butt is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a globally recognized expertise in Indonesian law and legal systems. His work bridges comparative law, constitutional law, and socio-legal studies, contributing significantly to the understanding of legal frameworks in Indonesia and beyond. Based at the Sydney Law School, he holds prominent roles in research and teaching, shaping discourse on law and governance in Southeast Asia.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Butt has a robust academic foundation in law and Asian studies, with a focus on Indonesia. His qualifications include:

• Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies), Australian National University
• Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Australian National University
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, University of Melbourne

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Simon Butt specializes in Indonesian law, with particular emphasis on constitutional law, judicial systems, and the intersection of law and society. His research interests include:

• Constitutional and administrative law in Indonesia
• Judicial independence and legal reform
• Comparative law in Southeast Asia
• Human rights and governance issues

Career History and Appointments

Professor Butt has held several significant positions at the University of Sydney and beyond, reflecting his expertise and leadership in legal studies:

• Professor of Indonesian Law, Sydney Law School, University of Sydney
• Director, Centre for Asian and Pacific Law, University of Sydney
• Associate Director (Indonesia), Asian Law Centre, University of Melbourne (previous role)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Butt’s contributions to legal scholarship have been recognized through various accolades, including:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) grants for projects on Indonesian constitutional law and judicial systems
• Recognition as a leading expert on Indonesian law by international academic and legal communities

Key Publications

Simon Butt has authored and co-authored numerous influential works on Indonesian law and governance. Some of his notable publications include:

• Indonesian Law (2018, co-authored with Tim Lindsey)
• The Constitutional Court and Democracy in Indonesia (2015)
• Corruption and Law in Indonesia (2012)
• Numerous journal articles in leading publications such as the Asian Journal of Comparative Law and Indonesia journal

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Butt is widely regarded as one of the foremost scholars of Indonesian law in the English-speaking world. His research has provided critical insights into the complexities of Indonesia’s legal and political systems, particularly post-reformasi (post-1998 democratic transition). His work informs policymakers, academics, and legal practitioners, fostering a deeper understanding of judicial independence, constitutional challenges, and legal pluralism in Indonesia. Additionally, his mentorship and teaching at the University of Sydney have shaped the next generation of legal scholars specializing in Asian law.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Simon Butt is actively engaged in the academic community through public lectures, editorial roles, and advisory positions:

• Frequent speaker at international conferences on Indonesian law and governance
• Contributor to public discourse through media commentary on Indonesian legal issues
• Editorial board member and reviewer for journals focusing on Asian and comparative law
• Advisor on legal reform projects in Indonesia, collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations