Irnasya Shafira Hadi (Criminology 2014) – began her studies in the Undergraduate Program of the Department of Criminology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia in 2014, specializing in Transnational Crime.
Career Journey
In 2018, just before her graduation ceremony, Irnasya asked the then Head of the Undergraduate Program one question that changed the trajectory of her life: “I want to become a professor in criminology, what should I do?” The answer given then shaped Irnasya’s future career path: “Study until you get your PhD, achieve globally, then return to FISIP.”
Irnasya’s research has never strayed far from the field of transnational crime she pursued at UI Criminology, specifically cybercrime and cybersecurity viewed from a social perspective.
Irnasya began her career as a researcher in the private sector, at a communication research institution for corporate training. Less than two years into her private sector work, Irnasya continued her career by pursuing a Master’s degree in Leadership and Policy Innovation at Gadjah Mada University while also working as a researcher at the Center for Digital Society. After completing her master’s research in 1.5 years, Irnasya continued her studies to a doctoral level in criminology at Monash University Australia with a full scholarship from the Australian government. Irnasya’s research has never strayed far from the field of transnational crime she pursued at UI Criminology, specifically cybercrime and cybersecurity viewed from a social perspective.
Irnasya’s days are currently filled with the activities of an international academic, such as publishing in various scientific journals, speaking at international conferences like the 7th International Conference on Public Policy in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology’s Annual Conference, and the 16th Asian Criminological Society Conference in Brisbane, Australia. Additionally, Irnasya actively participates in academic competitions, such as the prestigious 3-minute thesis competition in Australia.
Impressions of Studying in the Department of Criminology
In Indonesia, UI Criminology is a pioneer for anyone interested in studying crime phenomena in Indonesia. This is certainly very impressive, as all knowledge development concerning social phenomena in Indonesia takes place at the University of Indonesia.
UI Criminology has many lecturers who offer cutting-edge ideas and have very high expectations of their students, so even alumni who do not pursue academic careers have an extraordinary work ethic. Criminology students are accustomed to a high and complex workload, as discussing crime certainly requires high sensitivity and integrity.
The most memorable experience for Irnasya during her criminology studies was hanging out casually at the ‘takor,’ which led to warm and close relationships among colleagues, friends, alumni, and lecturers.
“All seniors are like older brothers/sisters, and all juniors are like younger siblings. And that is priceless in the real world.” – Irnasya Shafira Hadi, UI Criminology 2014
Regarding courses, Irnasya fondly remembers all the courses taught at UI Criminology. Especially the courses on methods, theory, and criminology research practice.
Message for Students and Alumni
First, studying criminology is not like Detective Conan or CSI; its excitement is somewhat different. According to Irnasya, it’s difficult to explain the excitement of uncovering crime phenomena that others haven’t known before. Anyone can begin the journey of understanding the dark side of society. How many people do you know can say they’ve conversed with inmates or visited correctional facilities? Certainly, very few.
Second, reach out to alumni! Criminology alumni are spread across many sectors and industries, and most of them are very open to their juniors. Irnasya often chuckles when remembering how many juniors, even from cohorts she never met, asked for help reviewing their research theses. Other friends are also spread across government and private institutions.
“Crime is relevant to all aspects of life, so criminology is actually relevant to all aspects of society.” Irnasya briefly remarked.
