For most siblings, sharing the same school is a childhood experience. For Indonesian sisters Fathya Nirmala Hanoum and Fahira Anindita, it happened much later, and entirely by surprise. 

Fathya and Fahira during their childhood years.

Without planning it, both independently earned competitive international scholarships to pursue graduate studies at KDI School of Public Policy and Management, bringing them together in South Korea.

Although they now attend the same institution, the sisters arrived with different professional backgrounds, research interests, and personalities. Their story highlights how diverse experiences can lead to a shared commitment to improving public policy.

Fahira (left) and Fathya (right) share a quick moment on campus between classes.

The coincidence began during Fathya's long search for graduate scholarships. Having spent nearly nine years as a researcher and project manager at an economic and public policy think tank in Jakarta, she had applied to multiple universities, including KDI School.

When asked whether she had considered pursuing graduate studies with her sister, Fathya laughed. "Absolutely not! Hahaha. I never planned to apply to the same school as her," she recalled.

A family photo with their mother.

At the time, Fahira had no plans to begin graduate school. Working as a Tax Extension Officer at Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes, she only became interested after her workplace announced an opportunity to apply for an Asian Development Bank scholarship in Korea.

“I just told her that I had decided to apply for the same scholarship without knowing that the institution was the same,” stated Fahira. “We just found out after Fathya was accepted.”

Both sisters eventually received scholarships through different programs, turning what began as separate ambitions into a shared journey abroad.

Their academic motivations, however, remain uniquely their own.

For Fathya, graduate school represents the next step after years of conducting policy research in international trade and economic development. While public policy has shaped much of her career, she believes there is always more to learn.

"Returning to my studies is an important opportunity for me to broaden my knowledge, gain new perspectives, and continue growing both professionally and personally," she said.

Today, her interests span trade, industry, and international development, while also recognizing education as a critical foundation for Indonesia's long-term growth.

Fahira's interest in public policy developed from her direct interactions with taxpayers. Working on the front lines of public service showed her how government decisions affect people's daily lives.

"I realized that a policy may look effective on paper but can create difficulties if it is not clearly communicated or properly implemented," she explained. Her studies focus on taxation, digital government, and public service reform, with the goal of making government services more transparent, efficient, and accessible.

Despite their shared upbringing, the sisters laugh at the suggestion that they are alike.

Fathya thinks of herself as a meticulous and cautious person who can think a lot about anything. On the other hand, Fahira has a more easy-going nature. "I'm more direct, relaxed, and free-spirited," she said with a laugh. "I think that's exactly why we balance each other so well."

Exploring Jeonju, South Korea

Their differences extend beyond academics. Fathya loves drinking tea, studying Korean culture and language, while Fahira prefers coffee, enjoys Japanese anime and manga, and brings a more spontaneous energy to everyday life. Those contrasting personalities have become one of their greatest strengths.

Living together in another country provides them with a valuable support system. While both have built independent friendships and routines, simply knowing that family is nearby has made adjusting to graduate school easier.

For Fathya, the greatest comfort is knowing "there's always someone who will be there when no one else is."

Fahira agrees, adding that her sister's Korean language skills have often helped her navigate everyday situations. "Having my sister here makes living abroad feel like having my mom here," she joked.

Fahira with fellow classmates at school.

Beyond supporting each other, both have embraced KDI School's international environment. Fathya credits classmates, professors, and her travels across Korea with expanding her understanding of how development policies shape communities. Fahira values the opportunity to collaborate with people from different countries, learning how communication and mutual understanding strengthen public institutions.

Looking ahead, both sisters hope to contribute to Indonesia in different ways. Fathya plans to continue producing research that supports sustainable economic development, while Fahira hopes to improve public services by making government policies more understandable and accessible to citizens.

Their career goals may differ, but their shared purpose remains the same: using public policy to create meaningful change.

Their story reminds us that there is no single path to leadership. Whether through research, taxation, or public service, Fathya and Fahira demonstrate that different perspectives can complement one another. Rooted in the same family but shaped by different experiences, the sisters have found themselves pursuing separate dreams on the same campus, proving that sometimes the most remarkable journeys are the ones no one planned.

During the ASEAN Forum Welcoming Party