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My Western Boss
My boss is from England and I enjoy working for her. Firstly,
she trusts me to do my job, even if I am not yet confident in some areas.
My boss believes I can do the job and encourages me, so I am able to do
my work well. I feel more as an equal and my boss and I can work
as a team. Ability is considered more important than the person's title.
My western boss also asks me for my opinion when making decisions in the
office.
At first I was surprised, as it is unusual for an Indonesian boss
to ask for your opinion. However, now I can give my opinion and include
my own ideas in my job.
Also at the beginning it was difficult for me to work to a deadline
and to prioritise jobs, but now it's OK. In Indonesia we have an
expression, jam karet, which means 'rubber time' and Indonesians work in
a more relaxed way, so strict deadlines can be difficult. Also a
person's title is very important and if you don't have an important title,
you aren't usually considered successful, even if you have a good ability.
(Yanti, Solo)
Different Perspectives
I just want to share a different cultural perspective regarding relationships
between a man and woman. I know a few friends from Medan, North Sumatra
and they told me their point of view about this topic, which is very strange
to me (I am a Manadonese from North Sulawesi and used to live in Jakarta).
They said that if a man and woman go out together, it means they have to
have affection for each other. For me, this view is quite funny.
I can go out with a friend that happens to be a boy as long as I enjoy
his company and he enjoys mine. If I go to Medan, they might look
at me as an 'easy' girl. And if a girl from Medan comes to Manado
she might get the wrong interpretation from her friend (a boy) or could
be known as an arrogant girl. It's very interesting, isn't it?
(Syully, Manado)
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Supportive Lecturers
All lecturers here are very helpful. Students can meet them anytime
by making an appointment. The appointment can be made via telephone and
you can leave a message if they are not available. They will contact the
students soon they are at their office. I at least discuss my assignment
twice prior to the due date. Some students are reluctant and afraid to
discuss their assignment with the lecturers. This is totally wrong. By
discussing, we can improve and answer all questions required. During the
crisis in Indonesia, all lecturers were concerned very much about all Indonesian
students. They said "We are concerned about you and we will look after
you. We understand that it is difficult to fully concentrate your
attention on your study".
(Syamsir, CQU, Rockhampton)
A Comment from Melbourne
As East Timor news is disappearing from the Australian media, the
Indonesian-Australian relationship is now progessing better. It was
so sad to see the Australian media cover East Timor issues very badly.
Regarding relationships, I personally have a good relationship not
only with my supervisors and university staff, but also with Australian
families. The most important thing is that we have the right to say
"No" in any situation. They will understand. If your supervisor
encourages you to change your subjects or take more subjects, which you
don't want to take, just say, "No, I'm sorry". Or if somebody asks you
a personal question that you don't want to answer, just tell them.
Also, if they ask us to do anything we don't want to do, we can refuse
politely.
I am lucky to study in a different location from the main campus,
around 120km from Melbourne. Because of that, I have got many Australian
friends from different levels. So I know many things about Australian
cultures and attitudes. I have been invited by many Australian families
just to have tea (dinner) with them. They really want to know about
different cultures, attitudes, foods etc from different countries.
As I said before, if we don't want to explain or eat something, we can
refuse. They won't ask you the same question anymore.
Most Australians are very respectful.
(Yudhi, Melbourne Uni)
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