Didi Ristanto: Shaping Indonesia’s Trade Strategies
As a Trade Negotiator at Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, Didi Ristanto wanted to keep up with the complexities of global trade and enhance his understanding of economic policies. He applied for Australia Awards Split Site Masters Program Scholarship, studying a Master of Science Economics at Universitas Indonesia (UI) and Master of Development Economics at The Australian National University (ANU).
Life and Study Experience in Australia
Moving to Canberra in 2023, he was amazed by the Australian academic environment, especially in the education system, from the structure, culture, and emphasis on student-teacher collaboration. The depth of ANU’s curriculum resonated with his professional background.
“The Global Trading Systems course helped me see the bigger picture of international trade and understand the intricacies of policies that affect global markets,” Didi added.
Didi’s academic journey wasn’t without challenges. Transitioning from a non-economics background required additional effort. Yet, the support system provided by Australia Awards proved invaluable. He highlighted the role of supplementary lessons funded by the program, which helped him understand complex concepts in economics and complete his master’s research on trade between Indonesia and Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU).
Didi’s research focused on Indonesia’s export potential to the SACU, using advanced economic models to assess market opportunities. His findings demonstrated promising prospects for Indonesia’s trade expansion, with a focus on tailoring export strategies to meet local demands.
Applying New Skills in Trade Negotiations
Returning to Indonesia in December 2023, Didi applied his enhanced skills and knowledge to his role at the Ministry of Trade. His broadened perspective allowed him to approach trade issues more holistically. For instance, during negotiations and policy-making, he now considers multiple dimensions, such as economic impact, societal preferences, and international regulations. By employing advanced economic models, he was also able to provide actionable insights for Indonesia’s trade strategies. For instance, Didi used data-driven approaches to evaluate the potential benefits of expanding Indonesia’s exports to Southern Africa.
“My studies taught me to analyse problems comprehensively and communicate my ideas effectively. These skills have been instrumental in my work,” Didi explained.
Celebrating Academic and Professional Milestones
In late 2024, Didi was named the top performer in a Trade Negotiator Training program at the Ministry of Trade. The training brought together 27 participants from various directorates within the Ministry, including seasoned professionals with years of experience in trade negotiations and was highly competitive. Didi credited his success to the analytical and communication skills he developed during his studies, which allowed him to approach the training tasks with confidence and precision.
“This achievement was a validation of my efforts to catch up after being away for studies. It reminded me that persistence pays off,” Didi said.
Looking ahead, Didi hopes to ascend to higher roles within the Ministry of Trade. He aims to contribute more significantly to Indonesia’s international trade policies and strengthen collaborations with global partners
