Batool Al Sallakh is a participant in the 2018 Law Professional Practicum from the Queensland University of Technology. Batool is studying a Bachelor of Law and Journalism. Batool received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support her participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS Law Professional Practicum?
I wanted to get some international legal experience, and studying in neighbouring country Indonesia was the perfect option.
Q: How will the Law Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
It has broadened my mind and really shown me how versatile and useful a law degree can be.
Q: Which organisation are you interning with? What are your roles and responsibilities?
I have been placed at the Indonesian Legal Resource Centre (ILRC) which is an NGO with a primary focus on providing legal research which expands on the links between education at universities and lawyers in practice. During this month I have been assisting my supervisor prepare for a perception survey, which includes researching methodologies, attending and participating in meetings with fellow NGOs, international organisations and key Indonesian universities, as well as interacting directly with local communities involved in the survey.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
It is quite different! This is a tiny NGO with about three full time staff, so it’s a lot more intimate, which I prefer. In Australia I’ve always been involved with large organisations that have set intern programs but in Indonesia it is much more flexible. While it takes some adjusting to get used to the environment, it’s well worth it! I’ve been able to experience and participate in things I would never have been able to in Australia.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
Yes, absolutely.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
Explore! There’s so much to do that even just walking around (for a very short time) is an adventure. Oh, and eat. Eat everything.
Q: Favourite place to eat? Favourite Indonesian food?
The best place I have eaten at so far is Bakmi in a village in Klaten, near Yogyakarta, and you had to follow these little ‘Bakmi This Way’ signs through these tiny streets. It was a restaurant in someone’s house and they cooked homemade bakmi and honestly it was the best thing I’ve ever eaten.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Apa kabarrrrrr?
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
Yogyakarta, Klaten, Monas, Masjid Istiqlal, Grand Indonesia (plus a million other shopping centres – those things are huge), Surabaya (Arab Quarter, Al-Akbar Mosque, Mt Bromo), and so much in Jakarta