Kaitlin Pepper is a University of the Sunshine Coast student undertaking ACICIS’ Indonesian Business, Law and Society program at Universitas Islam Indonesia.
Kaitlin Pepper is studying in Indonesia with the support of a $5,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake this ACICIS program?
I have a passion for Indonesian language and culture, and my home program is a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts. Completing IBLS through ACICIS was the perfect way to combine two passions and work towards my dream career!
Q: What classes are you currently enrolled in?
I’m enrolled in Islamic Criminal Law and Law of Criminal Procedure at UII which are both incredibly interesting subjects. It’s awesome doing both at once to get a feel for how they both fit together and operate concurrently in Indonesia, and how the system compares with Australia’s system!
Q: Are you involved in any clubs/societies at the university?
Not yet, but I’ve heard there is a mooting group and I’m keen to get involved!
Q: How will the knowledge and experience of Indonesian business, law or society gained through this program influence your future career or study?
Since I was 15 I have wanted to be an international lawyer with a specialty in criminal defence. I think having the knowledge of a different legal system and the language associated with it will allow me to do the best job I can in this field!
Q: How has your understanding of business, law or society changed as a result of your experience on the Indonesian Business, Law and Society program?
I had no idea Indonesia uses so many sources of law and how they all work together to create one system! Aside from state court, Indonesia relies on aspects of Islamic law, especially in Aceh, and indigenous customary law and there’s very few tensions between them!
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Yogyakarta?
I love to hang out at the local malls with my friends, but I love to explore the amazing tourist places unique to Jogja! So far my favourite place to visit has been Jogja Bay water park!
Q: Are you undertaking an internship or volunteering while in Indonesia?
I’m planning to intern with a legal aid organisation in Yogya as part of my program to gain some practical legal experience such as writing advice, attending court etc. I’m also really interested in volunteering with Rifka Annisa, a women’s crisis centre based here in Yogya.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food/ Favourite place to eat?
I can’t go past sate ayam (chicken satay) or beef rendang, but I’ve recently discovered risoles and perkedels- enact sekali!!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Sederhana is one of my favourite Indonesian words- simple and modest, but with a positive character!
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your semester so far?
So far I’ve been to Borobudur, Taman Sari, Goa Pindul, Jogja Bay and a bunch more locally. I’m really looking forward to exploring Prambanan temple and visiting Jakarta, Lombok, Bandung and Bali!