Imam Why is Writing a Request Letter Recommendation Indonesia So Hard? Your Problems, Answered
Requesting a letter of recommendation from a reputable source in Indonesia can be daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the local culture and customs. Here are some common pain points and fears that individuals may face when writing this type of letter:
- Fear of not knowing the correct format and structure of the letter
- Uncertainty about the tone and language to use when requesting a recommendation
- Difficulty in articulating one’s achievements and qualifications in a concise manner
- Concern about the credibility and reliability of the recommender
The Basic Framework for an Effective Letter
A well-structured letter of recommendation should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should establish the writer’s relationship with the candidate and state the purpose of the letter. The body should provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills and achievements, and the conclusion should summarize the candidate’s qualifications and reiterate the writer’s endorsement.
In addition to this basic structure, it’s essential to tailor the letter to the specific requirements of the opportunity or program the candidate is applying for. This will help the candidate stand out from the competition and demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to the field.
Application in Practice: 14 Scenarios & Examples
Scenario 1: Requesting a Letter from a Former Professor
Department of International Relations, Universitas Indonesia
February 10, 2023
Dear Professor Widodo,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in International Relations at the University of Indonesia. As my professor in the undergraduate program, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my academic abilities and potential.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my research skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Ahmad Rizal
Practical Takeaway: Be specific about what you want the recommender to highlight in the letter, and provide them with any necessary information or guidance.
Scenario 2: Requesting a Letter from a Current Employer
PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur, Jakarta
March 15, 2023
Dear Mr. Hartono,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the MBA program at the University of Indonesia. As my supervisor at PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my leadership skills and business acumen.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and my commitment to achieving results.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Ratna Dewi
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your achievements and skills that are relevant to the opportunity or program you’re applying for, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 3: Requesting a Letter from a Volunteer Supervisor
Yayasan Anak Bangsa, Yogyakarta
April 20, 2023
Dear Ms. Suryani,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Social Work at the University of Indonesia. As my supervisor during my volunteer work at Yayasan Anak Bangsa, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my commitment to social causes and my ability to work with diverse groups.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to empathize with marginalized communities and my willingness to learn from others.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Fajar Nugroho
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your soft skills, such as empathy and communication, which are essential in many fields, including social work.
Scenario 4: Requesting a Letter from a Research Collaborator
Research Center for Social Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada
May 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Widyastuti,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Sociology at the University of Indonesia. As my research collaborator, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my research skills and academic potential.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to design and implement research projects, as well as my critical thinking skills.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Muhammad Iqbal
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your research skills and academic achievements, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 5: Requesting a Letter from a Mentor
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jakarta
June 1, 2023
Dear Mr. Prasetyo,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Executive MBA program at the University of Indonesia. As my mentor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my leadership skills and business acumen.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to think strategically and make informed decisions.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Alexander Tjahjadi
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your leadership skills and business acumen, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 6: Requesting a Letter from a Community Leader
Kelurahan Kramat, Jakarta Pusat
June 15, 2023
Dear Pak Haji,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Urban Planning at the University of Indonesia. As a community leader, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my commitment to community development and my ability to work with diverse groups.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to empathize with marginalized communities and my willingness to learn from others.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Rachmat Hidayat
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your commitment to community development and your ability to work with diverse groups, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 7: Requesting a Letter from a Business Partner
PT. Mitra Usaha, Bandung
July 1, 2023
Dear Mr. Sutrisno,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Executive MBA program at the University of Indonesia. As my business partner, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my leadership skills and business acumen.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to think strategically and make informed decisions.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Henri Subiakto
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your leadership skills and business acumen, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 8: Requesting a Letter from a Government Official
Ministry of Education and Culture, Jakarta
July 15, 2023
Dear Mr. Sumaryanto,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Education Policy at the University of Indonesia. As a government official, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my commitment to education and my ability to work with diverse groups.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to empathize with marginalized communities and my willingness to learn from others.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Yuliati Widiyastuti
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your commitment to education and your ability to work with diverse groups, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 9: Requesting a Letter from a Non-Profit Organization
Yayasan Peduli, Yogyakarta
August 1, 2023
Dear Ms. Retno,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Social Work at the University of Indonesia. As a representative of Yayasan Peduli, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my commitment to social causes and my ability to work with diverse groups.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to empathize with marginalized communities and my willingness to learn from others.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Ahmad Zaki
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your commitment to social causes and your ability to work with diverse groups, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 10: Requesting a Letter from a Former Colleague
PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Jakarta
August 15, 2023
Dear Mr. Satria,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the MBA program at the University of Indonesia. As a former colleague, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my leadership skills and business acumen.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to think strategically and make informed decisions.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Fitri Wulandari
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your leadership skills and business acumen, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 11: Requesting a Letter from a Research Institution
Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jakarta
September 1, 2023
Dear Dr. Widodo,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Physics at the University of Indonesia. As a researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my research skills and academic potential.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to design and implement research projects, as well as my critical thinking skills.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Andi Setiawan
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your research skills and academic achievements, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 12: Requesting a Letter from a Community Organization
Kelurahan Cilandak, Jakarta Selatan
September 15, 2023
Dear Pak Haji,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Urban Planning at the University of Indonesia. As a community leader, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my commitment to community development and my ability to work with diverse groups.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to empathize with marginalized communities and my willingness to learn from others.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Raden Rizki
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your commitment to community development and your ability to work with diverse groups, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 13: Requesting a Letter from a Business Consultant
PT. Consultindo, Jakarta
October 1, 2023
Dear Mr. Prasetyo,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Executive MBA program at the University of Indonesia. As a business consultant, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my leadership skills and business acumen.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to think strategically and make informed decisions.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Widya Widyanti
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your leadership skills and business acumen, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Scenario 14: Requesting a Letter from a Government Agency
Ministry of Health, Jakarta
October 15, 2023
Dear Dr. Sjahrial,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Public Health at the University of Indonesia. As a government official, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my commitment to public health and my ability to work with diverse groups.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my ability to empathize with marginalized communities and my willingness to learn from others.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Rizki Amalia
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your commitment to public health and your ability to work with diverse groups, and provide specific examples to support your claims.
Final Checklist: Is Your Letter Ready to Send?
Before submitting your request letter, make sure to review the following checklist:
- Have you clearly stated the purpose of the letter and the opportunity or program you’re applying for?
- Have you provided specific examples of your achievements and skills relevant to the opportunity or program?
- Have you tailored the letter to the specific requirements of the opportunity or program?
- Have you proofread the letter for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?
- Have you included all necessary contact information and details?
- Have you shown appreciation for the recommender’s time and consideration?
- Have you given the recommender sufficient time to write and submit the letter?
By following these guidelines and examples, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a compelling request letter that showcases your strengths and increases your chances of success.