Nyi Raden Calvinca Naomi Poerawinata feels relieved after four years of hard work completing her studies at two universities.
She graduated from the UGM Faculty of Law (FH UGM) and Maastricht University almost simultaneously.
On Nov. 21, 2024, she was declared a graduate of the international program of FH UGM during the Bachelor and Applied Bachelor Graduation Ceremony.
On Dec. 5, 2024, she will officially graduate from the European Law School at Maastricht University, Netherlands.
With this achievement, Poerawinata is entitled to two degrees: a Bachelor of Laws (S.H) from Universitas Gadjah Mada and a Legum Baccalaureus (LL.B) from Maastricht University.
At FH UGM, she focused on International Law. At Maastricht University, she enrolled in the European Law School, concentrating on various legal systems in the Netherlands, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and, in some cases, the United States.
“I am grateful for these two opportunities,” Poerawinata expressed in an interview on Wednesday (Dec. 4), just before she graduates from Maastricht University.
Studying at two universities was certainly no easy task. In pursuing the double degree program, Poerawinata completed her first year of education at UGM, which included semesters 1 and 2. She then continued her studies at Maastricht University, Netherlands, from semesters 3 to 6.
During semesters 7 and 8, she returned to FH UGM. In her fourth year, she eventually completed her thesis under joint supervision from UGM and Maastricht University.
“I am truly grateful to be able to express my best feelings. After going through tough years, I believe it has been very rewarding,” Poerawinata said.
Poerawinata is particularly thankful for completing her final project as she wished. In August, she passed and received final project grades for both of her legal research projects on disability rights, which shared the same title.
Reflecting on disability rights, Poerawinata recalled her previous experiences. She had once volunteered for children with special needs and had the opportunity to meet a female leader and disability rights advocate who authored disability law in the European Union.
“I was so happy to meet her, and she eventually became my supervisor, motivating and inspiring me in my research and writing my thesis,” she explained.
For her final project, Poerawinata wrote a thesis titled Inclusive Higher Education for Persons with Disabilities: Evaluation of the Implementation of Article 24(5) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Accessing Education in Indonesia – A Case Study at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
This work sparked her curiosity about comparing the facilities and rights provided to persons with disabilities in Indonesia and Europe.
“I realize there is a difference in the standard of living between the people of Indonesia and Europe,” she noted.
One of the reasons Poerawinata chose to study at Maastricht University, Netherlands, was the complexity of the European Union. She admitted that she was very interested in learning the intricacies and workings of European law.
Everything she learned changed her perception of how European law is implemented to truly protect society.
“This makes a law enthusiast like me very happy,” she explained.
Poerawinata feels extremely fortunate to have participated in the Double Degree Program. Through this program, she also had the opportunity to participate in various international competitions, including representing a Dutch NGO at the United Nations.
Additionally, she was involved in the first regional round of an international moot court competition.
“This added incredible experience for me,” she said.
Graduating with a GPA of 3.75 from both universities was certainly not easy. While studying at Maastricht University, she admitted to using the Socratic method of teaching, in which students must answer various questions.
“We call it the PBL method (Problem-Based Learning),” she explained.
According to Poerawinata, this method is indeed challenging. However, it was this method that trained her to think critically and encouraged independence in learning.
She had to read 80-100 pages before each class and prepare answers for various case studies, which were then discussed collectively in class.
During her two years at Maastricht University, Poerawinata shared that her routine always began with waking up early, preparing lunch, and cycling to campus. After class, she spent much time studying at the faculty or reading at the library.
Occasionally, she went for walks in the back garden of the campus before heading to volunteer or work.
“I enjoyed going to Wisdom Park at UGM for walks, then walking with friends to class, having lunch, and continuing to work at a café while still volunteering on the weekends,” said Poerawinata, who aspires to build a career at the United Nations.
Reported by: B. Diah Listianingsih
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afif