A Milestone Reached: Reflections on My Dissertation Proposal Defense

Dissertation Proposal Defense: A New Chapter Begins

Alhamdulillah, yesterday, on December 9th, 2024, at 9:00 AM, I successfully completed my dissertation proposal defense and was officially declared passed. This milestone feels extraordinary, and I could never have achieved it without the immense support of many people around me.

First and foremost, I thank Allah SWT for His endless blessings, strength, and guidance throughout this journey. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to:

• My beloved parents, whose prayers and unwavering support keep me moving forward.
• My dearest partner, the amazing coass doctor, who has always been there to encourage and calm me through every step of the way.
• My supervisors, promoter, and co-promoters, and the examiners, who have provided invaluable guidance and constructive feedback during this academic journey.
• My favorite professor, who, despite being strict and intimidating at times, is incredibly dedicated to imparting knowledge and guidance. Prof, I appreciate you so much—love you!
• My friends and peers, who have continuously offered their encouragement and support through every hurdle.

The defense lasted about 1.5 hours. Surprisingly, I felt far more nervous this time compared to my preliminary defense. I don’t know why—perhaps the stakes felt higher at this stage. But alhamdulillah, it went smoothly despite some challenges along the way.

Reflections and Takeaways

This experience gave me several lessons to carry forward:

1. Handling Blurry Questions
   There was a moment when I couldn’t grasp the direction of a question from one of the examiners. I even had to ask, “Sir, I don’t quite understand; could you clarify where this is leading?” 😅 This taught me that I need to study harder and prepare more thoroughly to anticipate such moments in the future.
2. Using Formal Language
   One important note from my promoter was to avoid informal language during formal exams. For example, I used phrases like “nggih, Pak” (a polite Javanese term for “yes, Sir”) or “ijin menjawab nggih, Pak” (Javanese for “permission to answer, Sir”). While these phrases are respectful and polite in Javanese culture, they don’t align with the formal tone expected in a national academic setting.
   This made me feel a little “guilty” for not realizing it earlier. Moving forward, I’ll be more mindful and train myself to use standard formal Indonesian in such contexts.
3. Locally Rooted, Globally Resonated?
   One dilemma that still lingers in my mind is why polite Javanese terms—steeped in cultural respect—are considered unsuitable. Aren’t we in Java, where this cultural richness is deeply rooted? In places like U*M, such expressions are often welcomed. However, I understand that formal academic contexts at the national level prioritize uniformity in communication. Perhaps this is part of the “global resonance” challenge I need to embrace and navigate.

Finding the Middle Ground: How I Plan to Address This

To handle the issue of balancing cultural respect and formal academic expectations, I’ve decided to approach it with awareness and adaptability. First, I’ll practice using formal Indonesian expressions more frequently in my daily conversations, especially during academic discussions, so they feel natural and comfortable when it’s time for formal settings.
Second, I’ll reserve the use of Javanese terms for informal or culturally specific contexts where they are fully appreciated and understood. I also plan to seek guidance from mentors and peers who are experienced in navigating these nuances to find a balance that upholds both respect for cultural identity and adherence to formal protocols.

A Moment to Recharge and Reflect

To clear my mind and relax after the defense, I took a short trip to the beach. The sound of the waves and the fresh air helped me reflect and feel refreshed. I reminded myself that it’s okay to make mistakes—they help us grow and improve.

This break wasn’t just for fun. It gave me the chance to think about my journey, learn from my experience, and prepare for what’s next.

Moving Forward

This journey isn’t just about academic achievements; it’s also about becoming a more devout and grateful individual. I aim to rely more on Allah’s guidance and seek His blessings in every step, especially as I face the next stages of this dissertation process.

For now, it’s time to move forward with renewed energy and determination. I hope these reflections will serve as a foundation for smoother progress ahead. Let’s keep the spirit alive! 🌟