Inspired by her uncles, who studied materials engineering at the University of Indonesia, Irene Angela worked as a corrosion engineer for over two years with Indonesia’s oil and gas company, Pertamina. Irene also has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Indonesia, specializing in Metallurgy.
“After working as a corrosion engineer with Pertamina in Balikpapan (Kalimantan, Indonesia) for almost three years, the crude oil prices went to below zero at one point when COVID happened. So, I just decided that it was time for me to move on. I found the British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship and thought it was the perfect opportunity for me,” said Irene.
When working for Pertamina, Irene has been noticing that the industry is shifting more towards sustainable energy. Therefore, she decided to take the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy from the University of Glasgow.
Originally from Depok, Irene found studying in Glasgow, Scotland, has been an eye-opening experience. “The educators here are really great about wind energy and mechanical engineering, and that’s what we don’t have yet in Indonesia,” she continued. In addition, Scotland is the home to a lot of inventions that we are still using today.
As a woman in the STEM industry, Irene is excited about the newest cutting-edge technology. One of the elements that made her fall in love with engineering is that engineers are able to make something. “Engineering is similar to cooking or baking,” said Irene.
Even though there is a stigma about women in engineering, Irene can always find women in leadership roles in her industry.
She explained: “When you get over the stigma, you won’t be look down. It is just whether you are willing to be in the industry or not.”
Currently, Irene is working as an analyst at LCP Delta in Scotland. Her mission with her work and studies is to learn the technical aspect from developed countries and bring the knowledge back to Indonesia.
“Sustainable energy is a new sector that Indonesia can really benefit as a frontrunner. That’s why I’m here. I need to learn the technical aspect that we are not sufficiently good at and bring that back when I feel more confident. So, we are not going to be left behind like we’re used to with mining and fossil fuel,” continued Irene.
However, there is still a long way to go. Irene is unsure whether the Indonesian government is willing to support more sustainable energy efforts. “I think they will, but there is still uncertainty. Once the government set a proper target for sustainable energy, the mission can be more achievable because Indonesia is very rich in resources.”
As one of the recipients of the British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarship 2021, Irene explained how the scholarship didn’t only help with her studies. She was able to encourage more people to know more about sustainable energy by taking part as a speaker during British Council’s information section.
The message that she has for other Indonesian women in STEM is to stay.
“With every industry, there will be struggles and benefits. I would say just stay and continue to do what you do. For those who are still thinking about it, just go for it. It is very rewarding if you are actually immersed into it,” said Irene.