UNAIR NEWS – A team from the Faculty of Law at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) secured second place in the Best Combined Memorial category at The Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition. The delegation, consisting of Diah Anggraeni Nurkhalisa, Anak Agung Gede Fabianara Danurwenda, Aurelliano Jovan Meydianto, Putri Ayu Mustikaweni Adhijoso, and Olivia Allika Balqis, previously triumphed in the national round held at Universitas Indonesia on Saturday, February 15, 2025, before advancing to the international stage.
Nurkhalisa emphasized that the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court is a prestigious competition for law students worldwide. The event is structured into two main components: the submission of written memorials and oral pleadings. She noted that each year, the competition features a wide range of compelling topics within public international law.
Exploring Naegea Sea Dispute
Representing the delegation, Nurkhalisa explained that this year’s case centered on legal issues concerning the Naegea Sea. The dispute involved The Union of Ambrosia, serving as the applicant, and The Republic of Rovinia, acting as the respondent. She added that the team analyzed four distinct cases, all related to the Naegea Sea.
“The topics we examined included the formation of a regional organization, the legal immunity of government officials accused of severe human rights violations, the effects of coastal erosion on maritime zones, and the legal rights and obligations of the international community in a scenario where two individuals simultaneously claim a nation’s presidency,” she explained.
Nurkhalisa highlighted the complexity of addressing multiple legal issues, each requiring a precise understanding of international law. A critical aspect of the competition involved determining whether a given case fell under the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “As a delegation, our role was to argue as either the applicant or the respondent. The key to success was connecting legal theory with the case’s subject matter,” she said.
Consulting leading law firms
Nurkhalisa further revealed that the team sought guidance from several prominent law firms during their preparation. These consultations took place throughout the academic paper selection process and the oral pleading phase, allowing them to refine their legal arguments and gain practical insights into adjudication.
“We received valuable assistance from several well-regarded law firms, including SSEK Law Firm, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners, Ginting & Reksodiputro (in association with A&O Shearman), Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung, and AKHH Law Firm. Managing our time effectively was essential in balancing intensive training with our final semester exams,” she concluded.
Author: M. Akmal Syawal
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
