Hannah Blitenthall was a participant in the 2024 Development Studies Professional Practicum. Hannah at The University of Adelaide. Hannah received a $4000 New Colombo Plan mobility grant to support his participation on this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the Acicis internship program?
I decided to undertake the Acicis internship program as I wanted to complete the compulsory internship component of my degree overseas. I’m also very passionate about the Indo-Pacific and wanted to gain experience both living and working in the region, particularly working within the development space. Indonesia and Acicis seemed the natural choice!
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant?
I did receive the NCP grant. The NCP initiative is hugely important in supporting students to study and undertake internships in the Indo-Pacific region. Myself and many others likely wouldn’t have participated in the program if it wasn’t for the grant. It is a big financial help and really does make a difference in making study and work programs accessible for students.
Q: Where did you live in Indonesia (Kos, homestay, hotel, rental etc.)? Any tips for prospective students on finding accommodation?
I stayed in an Acicis recommended hotel for the first two academic weeks. This was a great way to meet new people in both my own practicum and other practicums. The people I met at the hotel ended up being my friendship group throughout the program and beyond, now back in Australia as well. For the rest of the program I stayed in an apartment with two friends that we found on AirBnB. I really recommend this as an option if possible! Staying with other people made the whole program much easier and more enjoyable as opposed to being by myself. I also recommend seeing if your office is close to public transport. Despite the generally negative advice around Jakarta PT, I was able to stay closer to central Jakarta with friends as opposed to living on my own further out because I could catch the MRT to the office. Lastly, it will likely be stressful trying to find accomodation. Try not to stress too much, it all works out and if it doesn’t you can always move (some of my friends did this and it all worked out well!).
Q: How have you found the academic components of this program – i.e. the language classes/seminars?
The language classes and seminars were intense but super insightful. I learnt enough Bahasa Indonesia during the language classes to make every day life much easier for myself. The seminars were run by industry professionals who graciously gave up their time to share their insights and experiences. The seminars gave a really good intro to the Indonesian development space, the information I learnt in the seminars I found very helpful for later on during my internship.
Q: What organisation are you interning with? (Explain your role and responsibilities)
I interned with Indonesia Resilience (IRES). IRES is an NGO that works to build resilient communities through research and empowerment initiatives particularly in reducing the risks associated with disasters caused by climate change. Myself, Le Wen and Verena (my ACICIS intern buddies) rotated through the communications, research and program teams over the internship. Each rotation gave an insight into the different work of specific departments and also provided the opportunity to engage in and contribute to the work in the three teams. This included creating a social media post on the risk of mega thrust earthquakes, researching climate resilience in the Demak regency and creating a project proposal for a community empowerment initiative IRES was involved in.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
The work culture at IRES was amazing, it was more relaxed than what I had experienced in Australia. The relaxed environment meant I was always encouraged to ask questions, clarify things I was unclear of and provide my insight. It was a great learning environment! My colleagues were all so welcoming and I’ve made life long friends at IRES. They played a huge part in making the experience as incredible as it was and I will miss them all very much!
Q: What are the main skills you have learnt during your internship?
I learnt so many new skills. But the main ones were cross-cultural communication, collaboration and initiative. In addition to this, I was also introduced to stakeholder mapping and logical framework analysis in the programs team. I was unfamiliar with these tools but learnt the value of them and how to utilise them in a project management environment. It was really good to get exposed to skills that I’ll likely need in my future career.
Q: What did you get up to in your free-time? i.e. in the evenings and on weekends.
On weekends I would either explore Jakarta with friends or try and escape for a bit and go on one night trips. My favourite place we went on a weekend was Bandung! It was beautiful and had so many things to do, the fresh air was also warmly welcomed. If you can, try and explore on the weekends but also remember that it’s totally okay to just rest and relax as well. In the evenings I’d usually go out with my roommates and friendship group for dinner or go out with some workmates. The time spent with them after uni and work have become some of my fondest memories of my time in Indonesia.
Q: What surprised you about Indonesia? Any new insights?
Just how diverse it is! Indonesia is huge and there are so many places to go and see that are all so different. They all have very different cultures, ways of life and languages. It was also interesting in my work to see how these factors impact different issues, for example climate migration. I can’t wait to see more of the country and experience all it has to offer.
Q: What did you find to be the most rewarding part of this experience?
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was being introduced to and getting involved in the Indonesian community development space. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a significant amount of time at one of my organisation’s community empowerment initiatives; Jamu Clinic. I was privileged to be able to interview the mothers who were at the center of the initiative, help with the Jamu making process and learn about the goals and outcomes of the project. I truly learnt so much about the complexities, challenges and rewards of community development from my colleagues and those involved. I’ve since become extremely passionate about community development. I’m very grateful for my mentors who shared so much of their knowledge.
Q: Were you able to learn about the Indonesian culture from this program? If yes, how was this achieved?
Yes definitely. Through conversations with many different people I got insight into the Indonesian culture. Try and talk to as many people as you can, even if it is on the back of a gojek bike to the driver! You learn so much through simple conversation. My colleagues were especially helpful in introducing me to the food culture as well. They did this through taking us out for food, ordering us their favourite snacks in the office and giving recommendations.
Q: How will the internship benefit or influence your future career?
Besides giving me invaluable experience working in an Indonesian organisation it has definitely opened up new avenues to explore career wise. Working with a climate focussed organisation reinvigorated my passion for climate change and climate justice. Being introduced to community development and empowerment also ignited a new interest. I’m now looking at options for a career in these spaces, spaces which before the program I probably wouldn’t have considered.
Q: Would you recommend this program to your friends?
Most definitely, especially if you want to step out of your comfort zone and experience something truly unique and special.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase:
Sama-sama.
