As the Acicis Law Professional Practicum (LPP) 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on an enriching and transformative six weeks in Indonesia. This year, we had the privilege of welcoming 45 students from 8 Australian universities, including the Australian National University (ANU), Griffith University, Monash University, Murdoch University, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University), the University of Western Australia (UWA), the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). We are proud that most of our participants were supported by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP) mobility grants, underscoring the program’s ongoing commitment to fostering cross-cultural engagement and legal education. Returning to his Academic Program Officer (APO) role, Mr Pranoto Iskandar worked closely with Acicis’ in-country team to design and deliver a dynamic academic program. We’re also delighted to welcome Mr Zain Adnan as our APO for the LPP 2025. The LPP experience was structured into three key components: intensive language training, academic seminars, and professional placements—each offering students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indonesia’s legal landscape.

Academic & Cultural Immersion

During the first two weeks, students attended 40 hours of Bahasa Indonesia classes at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, equipping them with essential language skills to navigate their placements effectively. Alongside language training, participants engaged in 30 hours of seminars, field trips, and tutorials, delving into contemporary legal issues in Indonesia, including human rights law, corporate and commercial law, customary law, and legal pluralism. These sessions were led by prominent legal professionals, academics, and practitioners, providing invaluable insights into Indonesia’s evolving legal framework.

To further enrich their experience, students took part in field trips and cultural activities. A highlight was their visit to Museum Polri (Indonesian National Police Museum), exploring the intricacies of law enforcement in Indonesia. This visit offers students a deeper understanding of the criminal legal system, focusing on its procedural aspects. Explore law enforcement’s history, roles, and contributions to maintaining justice and order, gaining valuable insights into Indonesia’s legal framework. Additionally, students visited Mahkamah Agung Republik Indonesia (Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia), gaining firsthand exposure to Indonesia’s supreme court law processes and judicial review system.

Beyond the academic and professional aspects, students also explored Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through Batik Painting with Rumah Batik Palbatu and Wayang Painting with Museum Wayang. These hands-on experiences allowed them to appreciate Indonesia’s artistic traditions while deepening their cultural understanding.

Professional Placements

The final four weeks of the practicum saw students undertake professional placements at 29 host organisations across Jakarta, including leading law firms, human rights organisations, NGOs, and government agencies. These placements provided students with hands-on experience in legal research, case analysis, policy development, and advocacy, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world legal settings.

Some of the notable experiences from this year’s placements include:

  • Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW): Students contributed to research on corruption cases and legal reforms, enhancing their understanding of governance and transparency issues.
  • Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Masyarakat (LBHM): Students worked closely with legal aid lawyers, assisting in pro bono cases for marginalised communities.
  • Bagus Enrico & Partners (BE Partners): Participants gained corporate and commercial law exposure through hands-on involvement in client casework and regulatory analysis.
  • The Human Rights Working Group (HRWG): Students engaged in humanitarian law projects, focusing on international legal frameworks and conflict resolution. Weekly catch-up sessions with Mr Pranoto Iskandar, Mr Zain Adnan, and the Acicis team provided a space for students to reflect on their experiences, discuss challenges, and support one another throughout the program. These meetings, often over heartwarming dinners, helped foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants.

Closing Ceremony & Reflections

The Acicis LPP 2025 program concluded with a closing ceremony attended by participants, Atma Jaya Catholic University representatives, host organisation mentors, and Acicis staff. It was an inspiring moment to celebrate the students’ achievements, the dedication of our host organisations, and the invaluable learning experiences gained throughout the practicum. We hope this program has broadened our students’ legal knowledge and strengthened their cross-cultural competencies and professional networks. We look forward to seeing how this experience shapes their future legal careers and advocacy efforts. Terima kasih & sampai jumpa!