ACICIS Law Professional Practicum (LPP), Jakarta, Indonesia

At the end of January 2025, I had the privilege of participating in a six-week Law Professional Practicum (LPP) in Jakarta, Indonesia, hosted by the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS). If I had to summarise this experience in three words, they would be: insightful, challenging, and grounding.

I was introduced to the LPP through university networks and, recognising the opportunity to gain both practical legal experience and a deeper understanding of my cultural roots, I applied with the hope of expanding both my personal and professional horizons. Looking back, it was one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made in my academic journey.

As part of the program, I interned with the Indonesian Judicial Research Society (IJRS), a non-governmental organisation committed to advancing judicial reform and enhancing access to justice through legal research, advocacy, and education. I was primarily involved in developing a proposal for KataHukum, a legal information portal aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities. This involved comparative research on legal information frameworks between Indonesia and Australia, as well as participating in stakeholder meetings and presenting a final desk review to the team.

Beyond work, I immersed myself in Indonesian life—engaging in cultural exchange, exploring Jakarta’s neighbourhoods, and learning to navigate jam karet (rubber time) with patience and humour. This experience deepened my appreciation for Indonesia’s relational approach to work and communication, and allowed me to reconnect with my heritage in a profoundly personal way.
This program confirmed my desire to pursue a legal career with a focus on access to justice and legal reform, both in Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to meaningfully engage with a different legal system, explore a vibrant culture, and grow through hands-on experience.

Terima kasih, Jakarta – sampai jumpa lagi!

Ethan Wijaja
Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Business
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