Gitarani Prastuti's journey at the Blavatnik School of Government was transformative, both personally and professionally. As a 2021 Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduate from Indonesia, Gita brought her extensive experience in tax policy analysis into the diverse and dynamic environment of the School.
Before her studies at Oxford, Gita worked at the Indonesian Tax Authority, where she helped shape tax policies aimed at enhancing taxpayer compliance through risk management, data science, and behavioural insights. “Working on tax policy, you're always looking for ways to be more effective and fair,” she explains. “The MPP was a chance to build on that foundation with a global perspective.”
During her time at the School, Gita immersed herself in a vibrant community that encouraged both personal and professional growth. The MPP's rigorous curriculum pushed her to think critically and develop solutions to complex global issues. The diverse cohort of peers added a variety of new perspectives, allowing her to see policy issues from many angles. “The diversity here is just phenomenal,” she remarked. “Every discussion, every class was a chance to see the world through a different lens.”
Engaging with esteemed faculty and participating in stimulating debates, Gita not only gained advanced knowledge in governance and policy-making but also forged lasting connections with colleagues from around the world. BSG reminded her that effective policy-making is not a solo effort but rather a collaborative process, often involving unlikely coalitions. She particularly valued the practical components of the curriculum, like the summer project. “It wasn't just about applying what we learned; it was about making it work in the real world. That’s where you really test your mettle.” Some of the best insights, she recalls, came from chats over coffee or those late nights finishing group projects.
Additionally, Gita gained invaluable experience from the mentorship programme offered by the School.
“The BSG mentorship program helped me connect with experienced mentors in the same field, providing personalised advice and networking opportunities. Back then, Nazir Razak was my mentor, and every session with him was incredibly enriching and full of invaluable guidance for the next steps in my professional journey.”
Reflecting on her year, Gita feels a deep connection to her experiences and the people at the School. “This place was more than a school; it was a home and community that challenged and supported me. I’ve not only gained knowledge but also a network of friends and colleagues whom I will cherish throughout my career.”
One of the highlights of Gita's MPP experience was her summer project at the Oxford University Centre for Business Taxation (CBT), an institution renowned for its cutting-edge research in economics and law. There, she had the chance to work with experts in international taxation, enhancing her understanding and skills in this complex field. She crafted policy recommendations for Indonesia, addressing the tax challenges posed by the digitalisation of the economy—a hotly debated topic internationally at that time. She even submitted her recommendations to Tax Notes, hoping to spark meaningful discussions and share her insights with a wider audience.
Balancing the demands of rigorous coursework with the responsibilities of long-distance motherhood required careful time management and dedication. Each day was a juggling act between attending lectures, engaging in discussions and social activities, and ensuring her family received the attention they needed. Additionally, being actively involved in several organisations outside the classroom and working on another research paper added layers of complexity and fulfilment to her experience.
Since graduating from the Blavatnik School in 2021, Gitarani Prastuti has continued to make significant strides in her role at the Indonesian Tax Authority. Her innovative approach has improved systems and reshaped how policy is perceived and implemented. Along with her team, she was recently celebrated as a top innovator in the Ministry of Finance for her forward-thinking work that is changing the landscape of tax compliance. As she continues to influence tax policy back home, the lessons and connections from BSG remain pivotal to her work. “I left Oxford with much more than I came—new ideas, new approaches, and a renewed passion for public service.”