Career Summary

Nidia Kusumawardhani is a highly motivated policy making and research professional from Indonesia.

In 2018, she received an Australia Awards Scholarship from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), allowing her to complete her Master of Public Policy at Monash University in 2020. Upon completion of her studies, Nidia was moved to a much more senior position, and has since been promoted to Secretary of the Head Office of Prime Customs and Excise Office type A Tanjung Priok.

In 2022, Nidia showcased her expertise in policy and research by co-authoring a World Customs Journal article titled, ‘Strengthening integrity by building integrated systems: a comparative case study of Indonesia and the Philippines’.

Career Pathway

2021 to Present – Secretary of the Head Office of Customs and Excise Major Servicing Office Type A Tanjung Priok , Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai, Jakarta
2021 – Senior Staff of the Compliance Assistance Section
2017 – Staff of the Licensing and Facilities of Customs and Excise Section III
2016 – Staff of the Customs and Excise Services II
2014 – Staff of the Sub Directorate of Audit Planning
2019 – Master of Public Policy, Monash University, Melbourne
2013 – Export/Import Department Staff, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Jakarta

What made you decide to study a master's degree at Monash University?

There were two main reasons why I chose to study at Monash University. The first is that the campus is located in Melbourne, which I had read is one of the most liveable cities in the world. The second is that Monash is consistently ranked amongst the top universities in the world. I knew I wanted to study in a city that I would feel comfortable living in, and I wanted somewhere that could offer a reputable education – and for me, Monash ticked both those boxes and more.

What was your study experience like at Monash, especially being an international student?

The academic culture in Australia is quite different to Indonesia. Initially, it was a bit daunting to be studying at such an esteemed university as Monash, but I soon got to learn about all the facilities they have to support your studies.

I especially loved the Sir Louis Matheson library. Sometimes when I felt tired after doing my assignments, I would just go to the library and do other stuff until I felt relaxed again. I also enjoyed using the group study spaces and lounges with my friends and classmates, as well as other amenities like the student kitchens.

Everyone was always so supportive. Even when I was feeling down, no one would judge me. I remember feeling extremely challenged when trying to work on my research during lockdown. I wasn’t doing well mentally, and I decided to be honest with my supervisor about my struggles. He encouraged and supported me through it step by step, which gave me the boost I needed to keep working and to know when it was okay to take a rest. I was able to finish my research thanks to his support, as well as the support of the counselling services offered by Monash.

Did you have any extracurricular opportunities at Monash?

While I was studying, I joined the Monash Multicultural Indian Club (MMIC). My housemate was the president of the club at the time, so initially there was a bit of peer pressure to join, but ultimately, it turned out to be a great experience. I really enjoyed all the events they held, especially Diwali. I learnt what it feels like to live in a city like Melbourne that is just so multicultural. I really loved that part of being at Monash, and I still miss it.

How have you applied the knowledge that you learnt during your degree?

I like to take the knowledge and skills that I gained during my studies and share them with the world around me. As an example, after improving my writing skills while I was at Monash, I wrote an article for the World Customs Journal that was published in March 2022. I used the critical thinking skills I’d learnt to articulate an implementation of policy that will hopefully inspire other customs offices.

I also use this knowledge in my discussions with my boss. As Secretary of the Head Office, I occasionally get the chance to exchange ideas with him and other people above me. While I am not yet at the level where I am making the decisions, it’s great to still be able to share the ideas I gained through Monash with others.

Would you say completing the Master of Public Policy elevated your career?

Yes, when I finished my Master of Public Policy, I received a special request to become a senior staff member at the Head Office of Prime Customs and Excise Office, so studying definitely elevated my career. More recently, my boss has also put me forward to take part in the next assessment at headquarters in the hope that I may get another promotion.

My boss is currently learning English right now too as it's essential to our work, so he has assigned me as his secretary to help him with that. So, having the opportunity to improve my English during my time at Monash has definitely been an advantage for my career as well.

There’s also a real difference in the way people respond to me now that I’ve completed my Masters. They listen more, they look up to me, and they generally engage with me a lot more as well.

I’ve inspired many of my friends and female associates to continue their studies too, which I like – especially being in such a male-dominated field of work. They always ask me how to go about studying for their Masters and what advice I can give them to succeed.

Having studied in Australia, and now working internationally, have there been any cultural disparities between what you learned here versus your practice in Indonesia?

The main difference I’ve noticed between Australia and Indonesia is in the way that you deliver your opinion. In Indonesia, we’re often limited by the expectations of Asian culture. It's not as easy to openly voice your opinion. Whilst in Australia, we could simply discuss and say whatever came to mind without any worry. In fact, at Monash, we were actively encouraged to speak up and share our ideas and knowledge as much as possible. I really enjoyed that.

Would you recommend studying a Master of Public Policy at Monash?

Yes, I’ve recommended it so much that now my friends want to continue their own studies at Monash.

What I gained from my time at Monash far exceeded my expectations. The learning methods and the facilities are great, and all the staff are super friendly and helpful, which was an experience I never received when I studied in Indonesia.

I knew that I could speak freely about any struggles whilst at Monash as well, because the environment is just so supportive. That’s why I highly recommend anyone to study there.

What advice would you give to international students looking to study their Masters at Monash?

My advice would be: don’t just blend in with other international students. Hang out with local people and make friends with students from other countries too. Explore Melbourne by engaging with the people who live there. It will really enhance your university experience, improve your adaptation skills, and broaden your network overall.

Monash gives you this great opportunity to grow your career and grow as a person. My advice is to take it.

Tell us a bit about the family that you have in Australia? 

During my time in Melbourne, I met one of my Australian housemates’ grandparents and they instantly became my family in Australia. We just had this immediate connection and they welcomed me with open arms. They even allowed me to stay with them when I graduated, so I invited them along as well.

I made many close friends during my time at Monash, including some of my classmates in the Master's program. So even though I was far away from my real family, by engaging with the locals and other students, I gained new family, which made living away from home more comfortable. Now, I can’t wait to go back to Melbourne because I know there are so many people there waiting for me.

That’s why I strongly suggest branching out with your connections while you are at Monash, because you never know what sort of relationships you might end up building.

What are your current responsibilities as the Secretary of the Head Office of Customs and Excise Major Servicing Office Type A Tanjung Priok?

As the Secretary, it is my job to arrange the schedule of the Head Office’s meeting agenda with internal and external parties, carry out proper record and filing of important documentation, process mail confirmation received by official email and front desk, and prepare meeting materials needed by Head Office.