Ziana Diggles is a participant in the 2017 Creative Arts and Design Professional Practicum from Griffith University. Ziana is studying a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design). Ziana received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support her participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
Living in and close to Brisbane my whole life, I have attended the annual Asia-Pacific exhibition every year. This has always fed my curiosity for the arts and culture of Asia. Last year, after my subject at Griffith University “Culture of Materials” – to which I chose to studied Indonesia’s Rattan Industry and cultural significance – I began to become very interested in our ocean’s neighbour. Through this interest my university tutor and program director recommended me to apply for ACICIS practicum after hearing about its success for Australia-Indonesia relations. I ultimately decided to apply because of previous student’s testimonials to seize this life changing adventure as well as being able to test and grow my skill set to help Indonesia with certain environmental issues. Which I am so glad and grateful I did. Indonesia is a beautiful place.
Q: How will the Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
This practicum has influenced me immensely…I never want to leave Indonesia, and I am sure I will be back. CADPP has taught me the significance in togetherness internally and externally. Through communities, nationally and internationally – strength comes from uniting, love and communication. Despite the rumours of Indonesia’s work discipline, I have witnessed at Greeneration Indonesia some of the most passionate, hard-working, inspirational and culturally diverse people. They and those within the Green community of Indonesia work tirelessly every day to keep this country beautiful, but to also change the habits of the legacy of industrialism and modernity.
Q: What organisation will you be interning with? (Explain your roles and responsibilities)
My host organisation is a small NGO located in Bandung – Greeneration Indonesia. I have been working within the design and social media department with the responsibilities of; daily visual communication design, videography, photography and general communication/environmental advisory.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
In Indonesia, there is a heavy reliance on technology for communication as – Greeneration Indonesia – has flexible working hours – however, the communication can be vague at times. For example; when attending a meeting away from the office, we were required to be at the meeting by 10 a.m for internal briefing before presentation. This briefing usually in Australia is done a day or two before hand – so work colleagues have time to plan or make changes if needed. While I was on time for the meeting, many of my other colleagues were very late. Thus our internal briefing was rushed… This can be perceived for those invited to the presentation as disorganised or ‘unprofessional’.
One of the most positive experiences I have had with Greeneration Indonesia’s work culture is that of sharing lunch together. This special moment everyday, allows for the team to build on their relationships and contributes positively to their general mental health as support system is developed. Greeneration Indonesia is filled with love, individuality and expression of self.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, I like to learn about the diverse cultures and histories through; experiences with people, events, museums, galleries and conversations. I have been exploring a lot of its natural and historic sites such as Kota Tua, Sunda Kelapa Harbour, Nasional Monas, Mt Tangkuban Parahu, Patenggang Lake, Lembang Floating Markets, Kawah Putih, Mount Salak and Bogor Botanical Gardens to name a few.
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
I would absolutely love to come back to Indonesia as soon as possible and for as long as possible – I still have so much to experience and see!
Q: Favourite Indonesian food?
Makanan favorit saya Indonesia adalah Basko dan sup ekor sapi!
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
“Sedikit” and “Sama-Sama” – I love the way orang Indonesia say it 🙂
Q: Favourite place to eat?
Any warung – to support the local and traditional cultures