Jakarta, 12 March 2014
Hello again! It has been more than two months since my last update. I’ve returned to Jakarta on 31 January and has been busy with finalizing my report on the “Role of Government in Supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Australian Experience that may be Applicable to Indonesia. The report will be launched in a seminar on 18 March.
In the meantime, I would like to capture my Australian memories that keep me smiling during my PhD journey: my friendship and outdoor activities. Indeed, PhD has been one of the most tiring journey that I have undertaken in my life. In my previous career, I usually worked with my team to solve both strategic and practical issues. On a contrary, my PhD was very solitary. I had to do all my tasks alone, starting from reading literature, conducting interviews, photocopying, tabulating data, analyzing, filing… and writing my dissertation. There were my supervisors whom I could consult, but 90 per cent of my tasks had to be done in solo.
Fortunately, I undertook my PhD together with my son, Rifqi, who did his year 9 to 12 in Canberra. By going to school together, I had strong reasons to be a role model for my son in doing my study well. Besides, Canberra provided opportunities for me to do sports alone or with friends. These outdoor activities were essential in keeping my physical and mental health. PhD writing kept me sitting in front of computer days and nights, so physical exercise became key ingredient for my sanity.
Cyciling and walking from home to ANU (6 kms each way) were my routine sports. It took 25 minutes by bike or 1 hour by foot. At least I cycled three times a week.
However, outdoor activities were more fun if I didit with friends. There were several activities which were so memorable. First, hiking activities with Indonesian ladies, we formed a hiking group named “Canberra Hiking Group”. We had scheduled activities to conquer hill around Canberra: Mt Ainslie, Black Mountain, Mt Taylor, Mt Majura, Red Hill and also along the beach of the lake Burley Griffin.
Second, I often hiked with my fabulous office mate. Anne was the President of ‘Australia-New Zealand Botanical Garden Association’. Together we walked up the hill behind her house, and after I submitted my dissertation in December 2013, we hiked the highest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko. Third, I also had a memorable camping experience with my dear friends, Mayada and Erick and their lovely kids. Camping facilities in Australia was so well managed, clean and comfortable… Something that Indonesia can do in the future. Fourth, with PARSA (ANU Post Graduate Research Student Association) I joined a sponsored outdoor activity. I learned how to surf at Broulee Beach. With a cost of only $35, I had a surfing lesson for 2 hours, transportation and lunch… Really fun… !
Finally, we had a running group called ‘Canberra Indorunners’. We met routinely every two weeks to run properly. I had been interested in joining this group since it was initiated, but I could only join this fun awesome group after I submit my PhD thesis in January. I will surely continue my outdoor activities in Jakarta. Hopefully 🙂
Dear Ms. Risa.. You hv to disclose your experience in social and environment care in detail firstly on your blog/media before you hv a chance to go to DPR as an excelent legislator..
Dear Pak Herman,
Surely. Kindly check my 26 years experience in handling economic, social and environmental issues at: https://bhinekawati.wordpress.com/about/
My life journey can also be seen at: http://nengkoala.com/2013/08/05/saya-bercita-cita/
Kind regards,
Risa