Reflections from a PR Consultant Working Remotely in Indonesia
Hi, allemaal!
I’m Kamilia, a public relations consultant based in Indonesia. I have been deep-diving into the PR industry since 2021, with the past 1.5+ years swimming with SW Strategies. Here’s my compiled diary of being the only employee from the country.
THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING
It’s always been my dream to work in an international company, or in a workplace where I could get exposure to various cultures and backgrounds.
The reason was, and is, simple: I find it fascinating how people with different backgrounds approach their work (and the stuff that we do) differently.
This has strengthened my belief that there are so many ways to achieve our goals. Input from different cultures, more often than not, enriches our approach to problem solving.
I like to observe how people tackle challenges, and then craft my own methods by adapting their approaches to the Indonesian market.
There’s always something to learn from others.
MY ASPIRATION
This takes me back to that afternoon when I sat in a cafe in Plaza Indonesia with Jose Raymond, our Managing Director, during my onboarding process, where he asked:
‘Which sector are you most interested in working with?’.
That’s the question I’d been waiting for.
‘Government, or anything related to government,’ I answered firmly, as it aligns perfectly with my future plans for my master’s degree and career path.
I wasn’t sure how my boss felt at that moment. Maybe regrets? HOPEFULLY NOT! 😀
Little did I know, he was preparing me to get involved with one of his biggest clients at that time, one that I now think of as an oil field where I could learn a lot from.
It was the Bali International Airshow 2024.
So, while we sipped our drinks, he showed me a glimpse of the work we’d done for them and the comprehensive documents they’d prepared beforehand.
Wow, this is some cool stuff. Exactly what I’m looking for, I thought.
A GLIMPSE OF MY EXPERIENCE WITH DIVERSE CLIENTELE
Working across various B2B sectors (or audience) has exposed me to different communication styles and market dynamics. Each sector has taught me something unique about my own market.
Still fresh in my memory are the exciting dynamics of the Bali International Airshow 2024.
The behind-the-scenes chaos, the tears, the laughter, the lessons.
That project remains the most memorable and spine-tingling experience of my career so far.
It truly pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me that preparation and adaptability go hand in hand.
Another client I’m thoroughly enjoying is Arthur D. Little, a management consultancy.
I get to understand the current business landscape deeply, which intersects significantly with government dynamics.
Working across different markets has taught me that while there are universal PR principles, adapting global strategies to local cultural nuances is a must!
THE REALITY OF REMOTE PR WORK
You might have heard others say that PR experiences work is better gained offline. While this is true to some extent, I believe it depends on your personality and what you want to gain from the experience. Both approaches are valid, though.
The room for miscommunication and misunderstanding to take place is just so much higher compared to doing work in-person.
Working remotely has taught me to be more intentional with my communication and that building genuine relationships can happen through consistent, valuable interactions, regardless of physical distance.
Perks of working remotely: unlocking countries I’ve never visited before!
HELLO, LONELINESS AND REJECTIONS, MY OLD FRIEND!
This isn’t a therapy session, but I have to admit that I’ve always struggled with loneliness and rejection.
As an extroverted person, not breathing the same air (okay, hyperbole) as your colleagues sometimes makes you feel alienated.
Not to mention losing the sense of wholeness of them as a person. It’s getting very common where loneliness creeps in. It’s not easy, but I’ve got to learn and deal with communicating mainly through digital means.
Though, I still crave for those human, face2face interactions.
The way I deal with it? I’d just randomly text my colleague sometimes, or I would change my work location!
Other than that, I think it is part of our day-to-day reality as PR professionals that your strategy and your ideas are not always acceptable. And hearing a radio silence from journalists after we pitch them can be so scary!
But as my new mantra says: Rejection is a Redirection. I’ve learned to use quiet moments as opportunities to refine my approach.
I understand that the responsibility that comes with this job and role is significant. But I can still see rainbows and sunshine where I stand, and I believe a supportive working ecosystem (and self-confidence) plays a huge part in making this possible.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR ME?
Frankly speaking, I don’t know. (Who knows anyway?)
But looking back to May 2024, I honestly never imagined I’d be here. For many people, working in PR, add on that having the opportunity to do it remotely, is more than they expected (especially in this economy, right?!).
I’m forever grateful for every hurdle that I’ve got to overcome with them.
I’m excited to continue growing as a strategic communicator who can bridge different cultures and markets.
This experience has taught me that growth often comes from the most unexpected places.
Whether it’s a chaotic brainstorming sesh, a quiet rejection, or a simple conversation in a Plaza Indonesia cafe.
