Yunita Hasar

Indonesian-born doctor Yunita Hasar likes the job opportunities, friendliness and happy melting pot community of the Northern Territory.

She has lived in Darwin for four years.

“I like it here. People are friendly and good to each other. And it’s so multicultural. I meet lots of other Indonesian people – sometimes it feels like I’m back in Indonesia.”

Yunita was a doctor in Indonesia but needs to sit registration examinations before she can practice in Australia.

“The exams are very difficult – there is so much to learn – but I’m working hard to get through them.”

She already has a job offer from a large medical practice and sits in on consultations as a medical associate three days a week.

“I have been given far more work opportunities in the Northern Territory than my Indonesian friends in other states. There’s a big demand for doctors and nurses in the NT.”

Yunita was born in Makassar, a large town in south Sulawesi, and gained her medical degree after studying for six years at the Moslem University of Indonesia.

A chance encounter would change her life – she went to a friend’s wedding and met husband-to-be Jaime Pardo Lopez, a Territorian of Spanish descent.

What’s the best thing about living in Darwin?

“No traffic,” Yunita says without hesitation. “Not like in Indonesia. That’s beautiful.”