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An Indonesian university student who won the Best Diplomacy Award at the Havard Model United Nations in Singapore on Friday said the event had taught her a lot about how international politics worked.

“World Model UN is a practical way of understanding international politics and international issues, where we can learn how to approach the issues as a diplomat,” Dyah Ayunico Ramadhani told the Jakarta Globe.

Dyah, a fourth-year international relations student at the University of Indonesia, attended the five-day event representing the Indonesian Student Association for International Studies (ISAFIS), an organization comprising students from universities in Indonesia whose main interest is international relations.

One of her favorite sessions during the conference was when she joined the so-called crisis council.

“In the crisis council, we are taught how to deal with pressing, difficult situations. We were challenged to think on our feet, to make a decision within a matter of minutes by taking a lot into consideration,” said Dyah, adding that she idolized Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa and British politician David Milliband.

“Pak Marty is a role model for me. He is an outstanding diplomat,” she said.

Dyah’s interest in international issues started when she was very young.

“I have always had a passion for international issues, how to relate to other cultures and multiculturalism. As I grow older, I have started to wonder why some countries cannot solve long-standing conflicts. I have realized that I can do something about it. I want to be part of international solutions,” she said.

Asked about her future plans, Dyah said she was torn between applying at the Foreign Ministry or a Chevening Scholarship to the United Kingdom.

“I haven’t decided yet. I have big dreams and I believe in them. But I also believe that between dreaming and doing action, you need to prepare yourself,” she said.