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Labor Day may have come and gone last month, but the spirit of it sticks with us, especially for Indonesian students in Australia who continue to juggle part-time jobs and full-time studies. While May 1st is globally recognized as a moment to honour labour and reflect on work rights, and for many of us, every day is a quiet version of that same reminder.

This year, Hari Lahir Pancasila (June 1st) follows shortly after Labor Day, and stands as a timely reminder of our roots. Pancasila teaches us about solidarity, justice, and human dignity. Believe it or not, we embody those values every time we clock into a shift, support a friend looking for work, or stand up for our rights in a system that often overlooks international students.

Let’s rewind a bit. What is Labor Day about? It's rooted in the long-standing fight for fair wages, humane working hours, and protection for workers. In Indonesia, it’s called Hari Buruh, marked by rallies and collective action. Alongside the protest signs and marches, it also speaks about the everyday efforts that often go unnoticed. That includes us, students from Indonesia building a life abroad. Whether you’re brewing coffee, restocking shelves, delivering food, or wiping down tables, your labour matters. Some of us work to help cover rent, others to gain experience, and many just to stay afloat in one of the most expensive countries to live in.

Many students have walked this path before. Some entered hospitality with zero experience and found themselves quickly adapting to fast-paced routines. One student who had previously worked in a corporate office back in Indonesia described how different it felt being a café all-rounder, suddenly learning to clean tables, handle food, and smile through exhaustion. Another recounted her first day at a bubble tea shop, where a forgotten scoop of ice nearly caused an explosion from built-up pressure in the shaker. These aren’t just funny stories, but snapshots of the steep learning curve so many have encountered.

Balancing work and study are a daily juggle. When assignments, shifts, and exhaustion pile up, it gets real. For some, going on morning runs or soaking up the sun helps fight burnout. Others lean on friends, knowing that shared experiences can offer unexpected relief. No one has it perfectly figured out, but everyone is doing their best to make it work.

And in that spirit, Labor Day serves both as a reminder and motivation for Indonesian students everywhere, not to exclude our warriors pursuing studies abroad in Australia. Before we march into the working grounds with our student ID, let’s properly equip ourselves with both the skills and knowledge!

For starters, you should know what to prepare before going on a job hunt: 

1. Valid Visas

·  Subclass 500 is the standard visa for full-time international students; it comes with the requirement to enroll in a CRICOS-registered course and an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

·  Subclass 485 is the Temporary Graduate Visa. It’s not exactly a student visa as it is designated for graduates wishing to live and work in Australia after finishing their studies.

·  Subclass 407 is the Training Visa for workplace-based training or professional development, not for full-time students.

2.   Tax File Numbers

TFN is your personal reference number in Australia’s tax and superannuation systems. Be a good representative of our country and make sure to be paid legally. Apply online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website as soon as you’re thinking of getting a job! It usually takes 7-28 days until your TFN arrives at your postal address.

3.   Resume or CV

Prepare a CV tailored to your preferred job type! Take your time browsing through the demands of different positions and use the appropriate Australian English spelling.

4.   Bank Account

It is common knowledge, however, having an Australian bank account is indeed essential to ensure ease of payment, avoid international transfer fees, and receive your superannuation. Several go-to banks are the Commonwealth Bank (CBA), ANZ, Westpac, and NAB - open your account within 6 weeks of arriving using just you passport, or apply online in advance to make it even smoother!

5.   Relevant certificates/licenses

While not always mandatory, certain part-time jobs may require you to have specific certificates such as Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), Working With Children Check (WWCC), First Aid + CPR, Food Safety Certificate (Level 1 or 2), White Card, etc. 

Then.. where to start?

Typical job sectors for student workers include: 

·    Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, and catering)

·    Retail (store assistants, cashiers)

·    Cleaning & Maintenance

·    Warehousing & Delivery

·    Events & Casual Labour

Explore your options carefully and smartly optimize your experience in a new country. Some might say finding work is tough at the moment, but when there’s a will, there’s a way. You have gone a long way; that fact in itself proves what you are capable of!

Regardless, some challenges may come your way so it is always better to be anticipative. Be careful of:

• Wage exploitation

Some employers pay international students below the legal minimum wage (for example, $15/hour instead of $23.23/hour). This is illegal but common in cash-in-hand or informal jobs, and some students just accept it due to fear of job loss or not knowing better.

• Unclear contracts

More often than not, students start working without a written contract which makes it hard to prove employment terms such as pay rate, hours, or duties. This can result in underpayment, unfair dismissal, or being denied entitlements.

• Overworking beyond visa limits

Student visas limit work to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Some employers pressure students to exceed this, which risks visa breaches and immigration issues - your visa is very precious, please be very careful.

• Balancing work & study

Part-time work can clash with study schedules, leading to stress, missed classes, or poor academic performance. This is especially tough during exams or assignment deadlines - get your priorities straight, remember your most important goal of studying in Australia!

• Lack of awareness about legal rights

Many students don’t know they are protected under Australian labour laws, just like citizens and residents. This makes it easier for exploitative employers to take advantage, as students may not report abuse or know where to seek help.

This takes us to the discussion: where to go for help?

• University legal and student support services  
  Most universities have legal aid clinics or student advocates familiar with employment issues - never hesitate to reach out! (some examples: Monash Student Legal Service, UNSW Legal Aid, UWA Student Assist, etc.)

• Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) 
  A national government agency where you can file complaints, seek advice, or report mistreatment. You can also find tools such as the Pay Calculator or Workplace Rights Guides on their website: www.fairwork.gov.au!

• Community Legal Centres 
  Independent and non-profit legal services that support vulnerable workers, including international students. Find one near you: clcs.org.au! 

·       Student Unions and Cultural Associations
Associations or societies often have resources and peer support networks to help navigate workplace problems. There’s always a safe space for you to raise concerns without getting judged for something that is not your fault.

Working part-time while studying is not easy. It comes with exhaustion, language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and sometimes even unfair treatment. The pressure to meet deadlines while meeting shift requirements is real. And when you’re far from family, even the smallest workplace stress can feel amplified. But still, we show up. We push through.

So let this be your reminder, your effort, your resilience, your growth, it all matters. And as we carry the spirit of Hari Buruh and Hari Lahir Pancasila into June, let’s move with pride and purpose. Let’s remind each other that even abroad, our values remain intact.

And for anyone just starting out?

“I wish someone told me that it’s totally normal to make mistakes at the beginning. I used to feel bad when I messed something up, but now I know it’s just part of learning. Everyone starts somewhere.

It’s okay to mess up when you’re new. Don’t stress too much. Ask questions, say no when you’re tired, and don’t forget—uni comes first.”       
— Priyanka Lakshmi, UNSW Commerce student

“Before applying for a casual job, I think we should know our capability to do our university's assignments first. In your first semester, you should just focus on your studies because there is a big difference between studying in Australia and Indonesia... Our study is our top priority, especially if you get a scholarship.

Good luck, brothers and sisters.”  
— UNSW Property & Development student

Sources:

https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/support-international-students/rights-international-students-work

https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/work-in-australia

https://en.tempo.co/read/2002394/international-labor-day-honoring-the-struggle-of-workers-around-the-world

"After darkness comes light."  

This iconic quote by Raden Adjeng Kartini remains a symbol of hope, struggle, and transformation passed down from generation to generation. Every April 21st, the Indonesian people celebrate Kartini Day as a way to honor her role in fighting for the right to education, the freedom to think, and the right to speak, especially for women. But more than just a yearly celebration in kebaya attire, Kartini’s spirit continues to live on in broader and deeper forms, especially among Indonesian students pursuing education abroad.

February 2025 marked a new chapter for Indonesian students who had just arrived in Australia. For them, and for those who had started their studies earlier, the experience of studying abroad is nothing short of a great adventure. From snapshots of togetherness shared on Instagram, warm smiles in campus buildings, cups of coffee in the library, to the iconic scenery of Australian cities, many arrived full of spirit and big dreams of a perfect university life. But within those carefully curated stories, there are parts left untold, conversations that were not understood, assignments that felt too difficult, and loneliness that creeps in amid the crowd. In general, these challenges appear in two main forms, academic and cultural adaptation. The strong connection between these two suggests the importance of understanding that each of us is on our own journey, but we are not walking it alone.

The Academic Reality Check

In the academic context, many Indonesian students who are used to a memorisation-based learning system often experience culture shock when they face the Australian education system that emphasises critical thinking, open argument, and active discussion.

It is not a matter of ability, but adapting to such ways of thinking takes time. Samanhudi and Linse (2019) noted that Indonesian postgraduate students often feel insecure during class discussions, especially due to language limitations and the fear of making mistakes. Many end up staying silent, even when they have valuable ideas and perspectives to share.

Another common issue is impostor syndrome, the feeling that we are not smart enough, not as capable as other students, not deserving to be here, or just lucky to be studying abroad. That sense of doubt grows slowly but surely, taking up space in the mind. And in the middle of a non-stop routine, burnout often appears. Burnout does not always come dramatically, but gradually makes everything feel heavier than usual. The pile of academic tasks takes up more time, with deadlines coming one after another. This point is not a sign of failure, but a space to pause and reconnect with ourselves.

Cultural Challenges

The challenges do not stop at academics. Students must also face cultural struggles. Differences in how people speak, how they joke, and how they build friendships can feel confusing. Norms that once felt familiar now need to be redefined. Foods that once brought comfort are now harder to find. Simple habits like greeting the neighbours or having a meal with family become quietly missed.

Minimal interaction with locals also increases feelings of isolation. International students who struggle to build social connections tend to experience higher levels of stress. It is not that they do not want to make friends, but the expectations of what is considered friendly or close can vary greatly. Language often becomes part of the cultural challenge. More than grammar or accent, it is sometimes the context that is hardest to read.

But just like Kartini’s spirit, growth often begins from discomfort. From that unease, we learn to better understand ourselves, especially in recognising what values we want to hold on to and what parts of ourselves need to grow in order to live side by side with a new world.

Finding Your Own Kartini Spirit

Amid all the restlessness and struggle, there is one thing we need to remember, that we do not have to carry everything on our own. It is not an easy path, but it also does not have to be walked in silence. In this way, Kartini’s spirit feels incredibly relevant. The meaning of Kartini’s fight is not limited to women’s emancipation, but also about speaking up, creating space to learn and grow in environments that are academically and culturally challenging, and bravely transforming self-doubt into small steps toward empowerment.

For students living abroad, emancipation can take on a deeply personal meaning, in the form of courage to be honest with ourselves when we are tired, homesick, feeling incapable, and afraid of failure. And every one of those feelings deserves space to be felt, without needing to be denied. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness or a sign of giving up, it is in fact the most honest form of self-care, from someone doing their best to keep going with compassion.

The good news is, almost all universities in Australia provide student support services, both academic and mental. Students can make appointments with campus counsellors, attend stress management workshops, or simply drop by the counselling space to talk. Here are the services you can reach out to:

Academic support:

• USYD https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/academic-progression

• UNSW https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/advising

• UQ https://uqu.com.au/student-advocacy-and-support

• Monash https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success

• UNIMELB https://students.unimelb.edu.au/academic-skills

Counselling services:

• Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au/ (13 11 14)

• Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ (1300 22 4636)

• University services:

USYD https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/health-wellbeing.html

UNSW https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/counselling

UQ https://about-us.uq.edu.au/projects/mental-health

Monash https://www.monash.edu/students/support/health/counselling

UNIMELB https://services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel

Commemorating Kartini Day is not just a moment to look back at the past, but an opportunity to keep her spirit alive in the struggles we face today, even if they are not always loud, they are still real.

Happy Kartini Day to all of us who are walking slowly, but never truly stopping.  

“No cloud in the sky remains forever.” —  R A Kartini

References :

1. Samanhudi, U., & Linse, C. (2019). Critical Thinking-Related Challenges to Academic Writing: A Case of Indonesian Postgraduate Students at a UK University. Lingua Cultura, 13(2), 107-114. https://doi.org/10.21512/lc.v13i1.5122

2. Kristiana IF, Karyanta NA, Simanjuntak E, Prihatsanti U, Ingarianti TM, Shohib M. Social Support and Acculturative Stress of International Students. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 27;19(11):6568. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19116568. PMID: 35682152; PMCID: PMC9180523.

3. Pinarbasi, G. (2023). International students’ sociocultural adaptation experiences: their perceived stress and coping strategies. Acad Soc Res J, 8(55), 4059-80.

Authors: Lilla Nur Firli, Ilmida Rizka

Editor: Vanessa Angelique N., Zahrah Alfirdaus, Annisa Saraswati

Sydney, 17 March 2024 – Bob Saril, President Commissioner of PT PLN Enjiniring and a Master of Engineering Science (Power System) graduate from UNSW Australia, shares valuable lessons about the importance of international study and strategies for facing career challenges in Indonesia. In an exclusive interview with PPIA's "Alumni Profile" program, he emphasised three principles of success: lifelong learning, open-mindedness, and humility”.

According to him, technology in the energy sector continues to develop, so one must continue to update knowledge through courses or learning from colleagues. International experience, he said, teaches how to accept different perspectives in solving problems. He also emphasised that a degree is only the beginning, not the end, of the learning process.

Bob's decision to continue studying in Australia was driven by the desire to improve his English language skills, access cutting-edge technology in the electric power system, and provide international exposure for his family. "I want my children to see firsthand how global education shapes mindsets," he said. During his time at UNSW, he developed his analytical skills through teaching methods that encourage critical thinking, built professional networks with international researchers, and honed his leadership skills through Indonesian student organisations. "Here, I learned that there are no stupid questions. A healthy academic culture builds self-confidence," he recalled.

However, returning to Indonesia brought its own challenges, including uncertainty about job placement and difficulty in applying the knowledge gained. Bob emphasised the importance of being adaptive, humble, and able to prove added value in concrete terms. "We have to show how international knowledge can be implemented practically," he said. He shared his successful strategies, including gradually applying the smart grid principles learned in Australia, utilising professional networks, and maintaining a positive mindset by viewing every assignment as an opportunity to understand the needs of the community.

As a former Director of Commerce at PLN and now a leader at PLN Enjiniring, Bob advised the next generation to take advantage of every opportunity to study abroad—not only in the classroom but also in everyday life. "When you return home, be a bridge between global innovation and local solutions," he said. With extensive experience in various strategic positions at PLN, including as General Manager in various regional units, Bob Saril is a real example of how international education and a lifelong learner attitude can bring success to the country.

Contributor: Muhammad Hadiyan Ridho - University of Melbourne

February 2025 marks the start of the "Summer Term" for students who will continue their studies in Australia. International students usually arrive 1-2 weeks before lectures start to adapt to the new environment and attend Orientation Week at their campuses.

Differences between Orientation Week in Australia and Indonesia

Unlike in Indonesia, where student orientation activities are usually mandatory, Orientation Week in Australia is optional. Students are free to choose whether or not to participate. In addition, this activity is not limited to new undergraduate students but also includes postgraduate and doctoral students.

Activities in Orientation Week

Orientation Week in Australia offers a variety of engaging activities that help students get to know the campus and its community. One of the main activities is the campus organization expo, where students can get to know the various clubs and organizations they can join during their studies. In addition, many booths distribute freebies such as free food, merchandise, and study supplies. The sale of official campus merchandise is also a unique attraction for students who want equipment with their university logo. Campus tours are also essential to Orientation Week, introducing important locations such as the library, classrooms, and student service centres. Academic sessions and workshops are usually held to help students with academic preparation, and they equip them with skills such as essay writing techniques and effective study strategies. Not only that, Orientation Week is also filled with various social and entertainment activities such as mini concerts, picnics, and casual gatherings that allow students to build relationships with other students.

Benefits of Orientation Week for New Students

Participating in Orientation Week provides many benefits for new students. One of them is the opportunity to build a network of friends with students from various backgrounds and make new connections. In addition, students can more easily adjust to the campus environment and understand the location and facilities available, so they are better prepared for lectures. The academic sessions also help students understand the academic standards applied at their university, such as how to write essays and manage college assignments. In addition to the educational aspect, Orientation Week provides insight into life in Australia, from the transportation system to social etiquette, which significantly helps students adapt to the local culture. By participating in Orientation Week, new students can start their academic journey more confidently and comfortably. This moment helps in academics and provides valuable social experience to build a fun college life.