Charlotte Solomon is a participant in the 2018 Law Professional Practicum from Murdoch University. Charlotte is studying a Bachelor of Laws majoring in Policy. Charlotte 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 an opportunity to intern in a foreign country with language skills and cultural immersion. Indonesia, being our neighbour and also one of the most populous countries in the world intrigued me because of the plurality of their legal system.
Q: How will the Law Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
I believe this opportunity has added a depth to my existing skill set and allowed me to view the law and our legal system through different lenses. I expect that I will implement some of the skills I have learned in the area of research to my degree and future career.
Q: Which organisation are you interning with? What are your roles and responsibilities?
LeIP – The Indonesian Institute for an Independent Judiciary.
- Conducting legal research on a comparative study between Indonesia and Australia about:
– Execution of court decisions;
– Case law precedent in the common law system
- Assisting the researchers of LeIP in researching specific legal issues.
- Organising a seminar series regarding the Australian legal system.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
My host organisation has a strong work culture and an excellent team but within very relaxed parameters, such as flexible hours and attire, and communal meals. It is incomparable to my work environment in Australia, where so much is based on time sheets and inflexible work practices.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
Possibly, depending on the opportunities.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I have traveled a little bit during my spare blocks of time, wandered the streets near my kos – photographing and recording visual evidence of my trip. I preferred speaking to locals, practising my language skills and observing life through the eyes of the locals.
Q: Favourite place to eat? Favourite Indonesian food?
A little hole in the wall warung opposite my kos makes a killer nasi goreng dan telor. I am a bit of a martabak manis fan too. Another local warung ‘Martabak Sniper’ fed my once a fortnight obsession. I have a guilty admission – I also enjoyed St Ali’s in Setiabudi One for Australian-style coffee.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Enak sekali!!!
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
I have explored Jakarta, Kepulauan Seribu, Bogor, Yogyakarta, and Bali (Jimbaran). I can’t wait for an opportunity to return and visit more of the countryside.