Six weeks in Jakarta

Spending six weeks in Jakarta, Indonesia, through the ACICIS program was an unforgettable and transformative experience. The program was split into two parts: two weeks of intensive study and four weeks of professional placement. During the study component, I took daily Indonesian language classes, which quickly built my confidence in navigating day-to-day life. Being able to speak even basic Bahasa Indonesia made a huge difference in connecting with people and understanding local culture more deeply.

For the internship portion, I was placed with the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), an NGO focused on human rights advocacy and policy. My main project involved researching and contributing to a policy paper on the first 100 days of Prabowo Subianto’s presidency—a topic that gave me rich insight into Indonesia’s political landscape and evolving policy priorities. It was fascinating to see how human rights concerns intersect with political change, and I learned a great deal from the team’s expertise and passion.

Outside of work and study, I made the most of my time exploring Indonesia. I spent a weekend in Bandung, where I experienced the city’s culture firsthand with a motorcycle tour, sampled local street food, and visited several iconic sites. It was a lively and colorful city, and the hospitality of the locals made it even more memorable.

On another weekend, I took a short trip to one of the small islands near Jakarta. There, I snorkeled, paddle-boarded, kayaked, and even swam under coral formations—a surreal and beautiful experience. Seeing vibrant marine life up close was a highlight, and it sparked a desire to keep doing these kinds of outdoor activities now that I’m back in Australia.

Overall, the experience was not only academically and professionally enriching, but also personally empowering. I built lasting friendships, deepened my cultural understanding, and discovered new interests that I want to carry forward. My time in Indonesia has definitely strengthened my interest in the Indo-Pacific region, and I can absolutely see myself returning in the future for work or study. This program gave me a solid foundation to continue engaging meaningfully with this part of the world.

Abril Anzola Jurgenson
Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of International Studies
Australian Consortium for in Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), Indonesia
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal