Pattiro Uncovered: My Insightful Internship in Indonesia
- Olivia Matthews
- Oct 23, 2023
- 13 min read
This report evaluates my digital internship with Pattiro, a research and advocacy organisation in Indonesia. Focusing on climate change in developing countries, the internship encompassed a case study, cultural experiences, presentations, and seminars. This report reflects on the benefits accrued from the internship in both professional and academic contexts, notably gender and climate change, strengthened my understanding of cross-communication and honed my research and presentation skills. The report highlights the invaluable insights gained from working with Pattiro, contributing to my growth both academically and professionally.
The digital internship experience with Pattiro has been an immersive and enlightening journey, providing a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between digital advocacy, social justice, and policy research. This report aims to provide an in-depth evaluation of the internship, offering a reflective account of the experiences, knowledge gained, and the impact on academic, professional, and cultural development.
Pattiro, a renowned non-governmental organisation with a strong focus on advocacy for social justice and policy reforms, opened its doors to me, offering an opportunity to engage in meaningful work and contribute to its mission. The primary goal of this internship was to gain academic development, cross-cultural competence, community engagement advocacy and networking skills. The internship’s primary focus was working on data-driven research, writing reports, and presentations and attending seminars (Pattiro, 2023).
Over the course of the internship, I had the privilege to immerse myself in the practical aspects of data analysis and research into successful climate change policy. The experiences and insights gained through this engagement are not only academically enriching but professional also. The internship allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, equipping me with practical skills that will undoubtedly shape my future career.
This report is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the internship, encompassing the objectives, activities, challenges, accomplishments, and personal growth through the internship. Additionally, it will address the broader implications of the experience, not only for my own professional development t but also for the valuable contributions made to the impactful work of Pattiro.
Main activities & key outcomes
During my four-week internship with Pattiro, the program was thoughtfully divided into three weeks of theoretical exploration followed by a final week dedicated to our group presentation. The weekly sessions were conducted over Zoom, lasting an hour each. These sessions provided an opportunity for us interns to engage with a board of experts who shared their knowledge on various topics. We could ask questions and were encouraged to showcase our comprehension throughout these discussions. In the initial three weeks, we embarked on a comprehensive journey through three key themes (Appendix 9). The first week we revolved around international regulation concerning climate change and emission reduction, with a particular focus on their implications for international relationships, especially in developing nations. Week two delved into best practices related to emission reduction and strategies adopted worldwide, which encompassed significant initiatives such as the Paris Agreement and Germany’s ‘Energiewende’ policy. Week three was dedicated to understanding the gender-specific aspects of climate change and the disproportionate impact it has on women in developing nations (appendix 9).
From the insights during these three weeks, the main objective for our internship group was to construct a comprehensive case study encompassing these three vital topics. Additionally, we were tasked with developing a final chapter that would outline initiatives we believed Indonesia could implement to address the climate crisis it currently faces. The process involved conducting independent research on each of these topics, subsequently, we had to condense this information into a presentation, which our group presented digitally and verbally to the panel of experts at Pattiro (Appendix 10).
This experience created several key outcomes. Firstly, it significantly expanded our knowledge regarding climate change and its multifaceted aspects, encompassing international regulations, emission reduction strategies and gender-specific considerations. Our ability to create a comprehensive desk study, summarising the critical aspects of these topics, was a significant achievement. Moreover, the process of preparing and delivering the presentation honed our professional skills, especially in collaborative team environments. Furthermore, the digital nature of the internship offered an opportunity for the enhancement of cross-cultural communication skills, an asset in today’s globalised world.
During the digital internship with Pattiro, we encountered a blend of cultural experiences and educational seminars within the four-week time bracket. Despite the constraints of conducting the internship online, these experiences provided significant insights. Among the seminars, two were particularly notable. The Habitat for Humanity seminar shed light on a fundamental aspect of development in developing countries: The necessity for secure housing as the foundational requirement for meeting all other basic human needs and aspirations. Thus, the paradigm shift in my understanding challenged my prior beliefs about the hierarchy of needs and the importance of housing. The seminar on bilateral relations in the context of climate change and Indonesia, featuring multiple guest speakers, showcased the intricate global web of climate action and cooperation (Appendix 4).
In addition, the educational seminars, despite the virtual setting, were instrumental in broadening our horizons and creating a sense of immersion in Indonesian culture. The traditional cooking class was a nice change to the theoretical side of the internship. We not only learned about the ingredients and techniques used but also gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of food in Indonesia. Following this session, we engaged in a movie night, dedicated to Indonesia’s classic films. It offered a way to interpret their country’s history, customs, and challenges through the lens of cinema. This experience not only served as a form of entertainment but also a way to better understand the culture.
Furthermore, a virtual walk-through tour of Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the world’s seven wonders and the largest Buddhist temple, offered an insight into Indonesia’s heritage and its dedication to preserving it. Exploring Borobudur’s architecture, history, and significance in Buddhism broadened our knowledge of Indonesia’s diverse culture.
The key outcomes of these experiences were multifaceted. Primarily, they led to a significant increase in cultural awareness, particularly in areas directly addressed during the seminars. These experiences allowed us to engage with the cultural, social, and historical facets of Indonesia, and as a result, we gained a deeper appreciation for the region and its challenges. This heightened cultural awareness has expanded my cross-cultural competence, a vital skill for effective communication and collaboration in the globalised world we live in. It would have been a great opportunity to be able to complete this internship in person, as I feel like I would have been able to grasp the cultural significance of all these activities and seminars but, in this modern world, it is important to adapt to the ever-changing landscape and issues that come hand in hand with globalisation.
This experience with Pattiro has reshaped my academic perspectives and given me valuable knowledge, transforming the way I approach research, reporting and problem-solving in an academic context.
One of the most significant academic advancements I made during the internship was in honing my research and report-writing skills. These skills were enhanced through the completion of our comprehensive case study. This involved an exhaustive process of researching, evaluating academic resources, and ensuring they if relevant to our chosen topic. The case study compelled me to delve deep into the climate change area, accessing an array of academic sources to gather comprehensive and timely information. This process included critically assessing data quality, reliability, and relevance, skills I previously had but improved on significantly through this experience. Furthermore, I gained expertise in gathering diverse perspectives into a coherent and informative narrative, which I believe is essential in the academic world (Appendix 1).
One pivotal moment during the internship that transformed my academic perspective was attending the seminar by Habitat for Humanity. Up until the seminar, I strongly believed that education was the key to liberation, particularly in developed nations. However, the guest speaker provided a powerful perspective that altered my outlook. The seminar highlighted the critical need for stable housing as a foundational element that must be secured before individuals can contemplate the pursuit of education (Habitat for Humanity, 2023). The speaker’s insights illuminated the relationship between stable housing and education, highlighting that one can does not flourish without the other.
Further, I gained a unique academic perspective from Pattiro regarding the global implications of the Industrial Revolution and climate change initiatives. This perspective challenged my previous understanding of the roles played by first-world and third-world countries. First-world nations benefitted significantly from the Industrial Revolution, enhancing their economic positions, and allowing them to lead in climate change initiatives. In contrast, third-world countries, which continue to make substantial contributions to climate change, argue that they shouldn’t have to forgo industrial benefits and should receive financial aid from more affluent nations (Appendix1). This ideological confrontation was deeply interesting, broadening my academic horizons and offering a view I had never considered before. The academic lessons from Pattiro expanded my understanding of global politics, economics, and the complexity of international climate negotiations.
As a result of the internship, I have acquired a range of academic skills that I couldn’t confidently do before. One which was one of my original goals, was to be able to critically analyse and assess diverse data sources for relevance and credibility, ensuring for my future pursuits I can base decisions on accurate research results by utilisng the techniques given in the reading list(Babbie, 2008). This capability is directly associated with my experience in scrutinising numerous academic resources and putting them into my case study (Appendix 1).
Despite the multitude of academic insights gained during the internship, there were also disappointments and frustrations along the way. One notable challenge in the academic realm was the variance in the referencing and reporting styles between my institution and the intern from the other country. This disparity let to a disjointed appearance in our final case study, with inconsistent formatting and referencing throughout the document (Appendix 1). Unfortunately, time constraints prevented us from resolving this issue. However, it was a valuable lesson in adapting diverse academic conventions and the importance of ensuring consistency in collaborative academic tasks.
In conclusion, although faced with challenges, the academic growth I have experienced at Pattiro will undoubtedly shape my approach to my future academic endeavours and foster a more profound commitment to exploring the complex and interconnected world of global issues.
My digital internship with Pattiro profoundly impacted my professional development, which reshaped my perspectives, honed my skills, and enriched my understanding of the professional world. In this evaluation, I will delve into the key areas of professional learning and growth that I developed during this internship, from the practicality of attending digital meetings and seminars to the enhancement of leadership abilities and networking skills.
One of the fundamental aspects I gained from this internship was the opportunity to witness and partake in digital seminars and meetings, unveiling the dynamics of a virtual professional environment (Appendix 3). This learning helped me adapt to the reality of the virtual professional environment. It helped me understand and adapt to remote communication and instilled a sense of comfort in interacting across diverse cultures and geographies. Through digital seminars and international meetings, I was exposed to varying communication styles, etiquettes, and niche intercultural exchanges. This provided a unique hands-on education in the art of virtual engagement, allowing me to be able to gain virtual connections with people, no matter the geographical location.
One of the most significant strides in my professional growth during the internship was the development of leadership skills, which was one of the goals in my pre-departure assessment that I wished to work on. The internship led to improved leadership skills, due to a response to a critical group dynamic issue. In the early stages of the internship, our team lacked a leader, which led to inefficiencies, confusion and a lack of work being completed. Recognising this challenge, I took the initiative to step into the leadership role.
As the designated leader, I undertook the responsibility of organisation meetings, establishing a structured framework for our case study and presentation, and assuming the role of the main presenter for our final presentation to the Pattiro experts (Appendix 5). This experience was transformative, as it reported the application of leadership theories to practical scenarios. I learned to set clear objectives, distribute responsibilities fairly, and create great rapport with my other interns (Manning 2022). The dynamic environment of collaboration merged seamlessly with the leadership I provided, and the outcome was not only the successful completion of our project but also a newfound confidence in my leadership capabilities with my academic peers.
The internship further brought about a substantial shift from a professional perspective. It showed me the importance of being adaptable in a professional setting. One example that illustrates this transformation is the sudden shift that everyone felt during the Covid-19 pandemic, to needing to be digital. This obstacle forced me to adapt to a new approach to professional networking.
Initially, I held the belief that networking thrived face-to-face internationals and on-site participation. However, the internship exposed me to the potential of digital networking. By connection with Pattiro, I not only secured the opportunity to visit their headquarters when travel restrictions eased but also continued to have a relationship with a fellow intern. We share the same academic course and have established a relationship where we share insights and experiences that we have faced in the professional world. This shift in perspective reinforced the importance of adaptability and flexibility in navigating the evolving landscape of the professional world in this digital age.
The professional challenges I faced during this internship, were for our team to juggle part-time jobs, academic commitments, and conflicting time zones, which started off being disappointing and frustrating (Appendix 6). However, these frustrations ended up turning into valuable lessons in problem-solving and time management (Baker 2002). By drawing upon theoretical knowledge, we managed to overcome these hurdles.
To address the time zone and scheduling challenges, we applied principles of time management, implementing agile project management techniques, effective communication strategies and cross-cultural sensitivity. These practical strategies ensured efficient planning, task prioritisation, and adaptability (Baker 2002). Furthermore, we acknowledged cultural differences in time management, facilitating a more inclusive work environment (Birkman 2019). This experience not only dispelled disappointments but also fortified our ability to approach similar issues in the future with confidence.
In conclusion, my professional growth during the internship was marked by a shift in perspectives, a betterment of my digital communication skills, the development of my leadership capabilities with my academic peers, and enhanced networking skills. I have transformed disappointments into opportunities for learning, adapting and problem-solving, making me better equipped for my professional endeavours. The lessons and experiences that I have gained from Pattiro, undoubtedly have made me better equipped for my future professional endeavours with confidence and resilience.
My digital internship with Pattiro provided me with a unique platform to explore the ethical and cultural dimensions of Indonesia. Throughout the internship, I feel I learned multifaceted aspects of the Indonesian culture that I didn’t know before.
One of the most significant cultural lessons I acquired was the realisation that Indonesian culture possesses many different traits that differ from the Western culture I am accustomed to. The internship introduced me to my Indonesian intern colleague, and initially, I faced a cultural challenge. In Western culture, I was accustomed to direct communication and open dialogue when collaborating on projects. However, I quickly realised that my Indonesian colleague was more reserved, and her communication style was less assertive, reflecting her cultural background (Birkman 2019). I had to adapt to this and apply intercultural communication techniques to bridge this gap.
For instance, I learned to be more patient and observant, providing my colleague with the space to express her ideas and thoughts. I recognised the importance of building rapport based on trust and mutual understanding, respecting the cultural differences in communication styles. This experience allowed me to develop and improve my intercultural communication skills, which was a goal of mine prior to the internship.
As I delved deeper into gender issues within the context of climate change, I was able to grasp a deeper understanding of ethical considerations in this area. I learned that women in developing countries are disproportionally affected by climate change, and their voices and struggles are often overlooked. This understanding underscored the ethical imperative of addressing climate change from a gender perspective (Appendix 1).
I discovered that climate change increases existing inequalities and that failing to account for the disparities perpetuates the cycle of inequality for women. My ethical perspective shifted to recognise the moral obligation to prioritise those most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Although I am not directly affected by climate change in my day-to-day life, I still have a responsibility to those that are. This newfound ethical lens has redefined my commitment to advocate for policies that address climate change and consider its impact on the most vulnerable (Appendix 1).
The cultural ethical lessons I learned during this internship forced personal growth for myself. This journey of cultural adaption and ethical awareness refined my interpersonal skills and nurtured my need to be more empathetic. It broadened my perspective, instilling in me a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations in addressing global challenges.
I feel like I evolved as an individual who appreciates and respects cultural diversity, living in Melbourne you are exposed to it every day. By engaging in this, I feel like in my day–to–day life I will be able to engage with different individuals on a deeper level.
The internship empowered me with the ability to navigate intercultural challenges, fostering productive and respectful collaboration across cultural divides. I feel like from watching the leaders from Pattiro engage in such positive and high-quality work I now have a framework to base my future encounters on. I can now adapt my communication style, actively listen, and create a comfortable space for diverse perspectives to thrive. This is a valuable skill that enhances my capacity to work in multicultural and international contexts. My heightened ethical awareness equips me with the capacity to critically evaluate policies and practices, ensuring they align with principles and justice.
While the internship provided invaluable cultural and ethical insights, I must acknowledge the disappointment stemming from its digital nature. Had it been an in-person experience in Indonesia, I believe my cultural understanding could have been more authentic. Learning about a culture digitally, while invaluable, lacks the sensory and immersive experience that can only be achieved through physical presence. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I understand that this is the reality of how we need to adapt, but nether- the – less disappointing.
Additionally, the inability to engage directly with Indonesian communities, witness the environmental challenges they face, and engage in hands-on, culturally immersive experiences was a source of frustration. These limitations left me wanting more connection with the culture and a more authentic exploration of the ethical dilemmas faced by communities in Indonesia.
In conclusion, my digital internship with Pattiro taught me a lot by enriching my cultural understanding and ethical awareness. I learned to adapt to different cultural communication styles, developed a greater sense of cultural humility, and recognised the moral obligation to address climate change While the nature of the internship was digital, it fostered personal growth, enabling me to be able to engage with diverse cultures and apply ethical considerations effectively. This experience was a great addition to my International Studies degree, and I’m glad I was able to gain a somewhat hands-on experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my digital internship with Pattiro has been an immensely enlightening experience, giving me insights and knowledge. This evaluation has enabled me to reflect on the key aspects of my internship, drawing significant conclusions.
Throughout the internship, I had the privilege of working with the dedicated team at Pattiro, who graciously welcomed me into their organisation. My exposure to the realms of digital advocacy, social justice, and policy research has deepened my understanding of complex real-world issues.
The skills and expertise I gained during the internship are invaluable. I have sharpened my data analysis and advocacy skills. This experience has also improved my adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative teamwork, as I worked with colleagues from diverse backgrounds to achieve project goals.
The internship impact extends beyond the professional realm, it reaffirmed my passion for advocacy work and my commitment to making a positive impact on society. The connections i’ve established with colleagues and mentors at Pattiro will undoubtedly influence my future pursuits in the field.
In retrospect, my digital internship with Pattiro has been a transformative journey of personal and professional growth. It has equipped me with the tools, knowledge, and determination to continue pursuing a career that incorporates my learnings. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to applying the lessons learned to create a meaningful impact in the future.
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