From boardrooms to batik: Experiencing business and culture in Jakarta
By Feifan Wu
During my winter break in July, I had the privilege of participating in IBUS20007 International Business Experience held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Spanning two weeks, the subject offered a wealth of experiences designed to deepen our understanding of Indonesia’s economic, social, and environmental contexts. It also equipped us with the tools to navigate foreign cultural settings and explore the region’s dynamic business landscapes.
My interest in this subject stemmed from prior exposure to Southeast Asian markets through two other Commerce subjects: Commerce Internship, completed in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Global Management Consulting, where I worked on a project for National Australia Bank in Singapore. These experiences sparked a strong interest in exploring the nuanced ways in which business is conducted across the region.
The intensive format of International Business Experience kept me sharp and engaged throughout. Although the time spent in Jakarta was short, the insights I gained were invaluable.
Subject schedule
International Business Experience featured a blend of academic lectures and organisational visits. The first week began with orientation events at Universitas Indonesia (the University of Indonesia), where academics and local students presented lectures and hosted cultural and social events. One that particularly stood out to me was when we learnt about the different types of coffee from various regions in Indonesia, including the famous Kopi Luwak, made from beans eaten and excreted by civet cats.
We attended lectures delivered by local academics on topics such as sustainable business operations in Indonesia and halal marketing, themes especially relevant in a country with the world’s largest Muslim population. The lectures both challenged and enriched my understanding of business operations in Indonesia, highlighting how cultural values influence business decision-making on a global scale.
The second week focused on organisational visits, providing real-world exposure to how firms navigate Indonesia’s dynamic business environment. We had the opportunity to explore in depth the business operations of BMW Indonesia, the Australian Embassy, Bank Syariah Indonesia, OPPO Indonesia and Unilever. Each visit offered firsthand insights on how companies traverse Indonesia’s nuanced and unique business environment. These experiences were particularly helpful in preparing us for our final case challenge, which involved identifying Australian firms that could successfully enter and grow within Indonesia’s food and agriculture sector.
Our final days were spent collaborating in groups and consulting with our subject coordinator, Dr Jason Brown, for feedback and guidance. The experience concluded with a final presentation, where we demonstrated our learnings and deepened our understanding of the challenges companies face when entering the Indonesian market.
My takeaways
Looking back, International Business Experience provided an invaluable experience in elevating both my business acumen and cultural perspectives. It allowed me to foster meaningful connections and deepen my understanding of the diverse cultural values and practices in Southeast Asia, as well as their contributions to shaping the region's economy.
If you are keen to study abroad on a short, intensive yet highly rewarding subject, I strongly encourage you to apply for International Business Experience. This subject offers a unique opportunity to learn about business in a foreign country while expanding your network and forming lasting connections with your classmates and company representatives.
Are you a Bachelor of Commerce student and interested in International Business Experience? Find out more.