Indonesia – Jed
Student: Jed
Course: Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Studies
Program: Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Internship, June/July 2024
When I first landed in Jakarta to begin my legal internship at a commercial law firm, I knew I was in for a challenge. I was trading Melbourne’s familiar legal landscape for the bustle of Indonesia’s capital and stepping into a civil law system in a language I did not speak. But what I could not have anticipated was just how much I would gain from the experience, both professionally and personally. I cannot emphasise this enough when I say this was one of the greatest experiences throughout my degree. Read on to find out more about my experience, and how this could one day be you!
The firm I interned with is one of Indonesia’s leading commercial practices, involved in major domestic and international matters. I spent my time across two core practice areas: Corporate, Investment and M&A, and Commercial Dispute Resolution. I worked on weekly research projects focused on Indonesian company law, foreign investment regulations, and civil procedure. I also contributed to drafting comparative legal reports for the firm’s internal use, contrasting Indonesian frameworks with Australian equivalents. I therefore not only had to engage with Australian corporations law, but I also had to learn how to navigate Indonesia’s legal database, wrap my head around a civil jurisdiction and attempt to translate the Australian common law system in a simple way. These projects allowed me to sharpen my research and writing skills in a cross-jurisdictional context and see first-hand how complex legal frameworks operate in emerging markets.
However, the biggest learning curve wasn’t legal, it was cultural. Office dynamics in Jakarta were different. There was a strong sense of community in the workplace, and people really enjoyed conversations and build relationships. If there was no work to be done, then there was no work to be done. There was no need to pretend to be busy just for the sake of looking busy. If you were not busy, you were not busy. Coming from the hustle culture of Australia where we feel the need to constantly be productive, this was a struggle for me. At the same time, the structure was far more hierarchical than I was used to, requiring formal communication and greater deference to senior lawyers. Then there were the unexpected moments like being invited to a professional development workshop entirely in Bahasa Indonesia on day one. Or realising that in Indonesia, there is no formal court mechanism to dismiss a baseless claim, resulting in courts being overloaded with “counterfeit lawsuits” as a litigation tactic. Learning how to navigate this space was one of the most important intercultural lessons I took home.
While legal work formed the backbone of my internship, the friendships I made were just as impactful. Whether it was sharing meals with colleagues, swapping stories with fellow interns, or being surprised with a farewell party on my last day, these moments of connection reminded me why I chose to take a leap and do something out of the norm. Being part of the program meant that I was introduced to more than 50 different interns from various disciplines, both Australian and Indonesian, who I lived and worked with.
This internship helped me clarify that I want to work in commercial law, ideally in a space that bridges international interests. It also reaffirmed my commitment to building a career where cultural understanding and legal knowledge go hand in hand. Interning in Jakarta gave me more than just an insight into another legal system. It gave me confidence in my adaptability, independence and some unexpected lifelong friendships along the way.
If you're a law student at Deakin looking for adventure, travel and professional experience, this is your sign to consider taking a more adventurous path for your Work Integrated Learning unit. This entire experience was made possible through the New Colombo Plan (NCP), which provided the funding and support I needed to complete my legal internship in Indonesia as credit towards my degree.
I applied through Deakin Abroad and was supported by an Indonesian internship organisation who helped arrange the placement, organised a pre-departure meeting, provided cultural awareness training, assisted with accommodation and in-country logistics and overall adjustment to the Jakarta lifestyle. Their support didn’t end once I arrived as there were regular check-ins and guidance throughout the placement. It was incredibly reassuring to know I had help available at every step. I would recommend the program to students because it offers a rare chance to gain practical legal experience in an international setting, while developing cultural awareness, adaptability, and professional confidence, all while receiving an opportunity for adventure and strong support throughout the process.
All it takes is a conversation with the WIL Business and Law team and the Global Experiential Learning team, who can guide you through the process and connect you with the right opportunities. I understand the hesitation, it’s daunting to practise law in a completely different legal and cultural system, and it might feel pointless. Why would someone choose to get practical experience in a jurisdiction completely foreign to your own? My answer to that extremely valid question is that the skills you gain in communication, cultural awareness, and adaptability are incredibly valuable. In an increasingly globalised legal market, employers are looking for graduates who can think on their feet and navigate complex cross-cultural scenarios with confidence. This kind of experience doesn’t just set you apart, it sets you up.