Sermin Sayan is a participant in the 2020 Law Professional Practicum. Sermin is studying Bachelor of International Studies with a Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University. Sermin 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 decided to participate in the Law Professional Practicum as I wanted to develop my Indonesian language skills, immerse myself in the Indonesian culture, develop my professional skills and step out of my comfort zone.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes, I received the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant. Receiving the grant was great as it made me feel as if I constantly had the support of the Australian Government throughout the course of the program.
Q: How will the Law Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
The challenges that I have faced and the experience that I have gained throughout the course of the LPP has enabled me to become more confident to voice my opinions and trust my decisions. I strongly believe this increased confidence will greatly benefit me in decision making processes.
Q: Which organisation are you interning with? What are your roles and responsibilities?
I was lucky enough to have been able to intern with Mahkamah Konstitusi Republik Indonesia. Throughout the course of my internship, myself and the other interns were asked to conduct research for a presentation on any chosen area of law. In addition to conducting research, we were lucky enough to have been taken to various other government institutions.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
Despite being at the Constitutional Court, I found the work culture in Indonesia to be very casual and friendly, which contrasts with Australian work culture which I find to be very structural and formal.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
As someone who enjoys a quiet life, if I was able to get accustomed to the macet, I definitely would consider returning to Indonesia for work if an opportunity was presented to me.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
In addition to visiting tourist attractions and other cities, I was lucky enough to have lived next to Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia, so I would spend a lot of spare time visiting the massive shopping centres.
Q: Favourite place to eat? Favourite Indonesian food?
Indonesia has some of the most delicious food, but my favourites definitely have to be Gado-Gado, Bakso, Nutella Martabak and Sate Ayam.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
My favourite Indonesian phrase would definitely have to be ‘macet’.
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
During my practicum, I was able to visit Pulau Pari, Cisarua, Bogor and Kota Tua.