“This tour reshaped my view of community health. The Posyandu system’s focus on maternal care is something Australia could learn from.”
— Sarah Lim, PHST 2024 Participant
This January, 51 students from 12 Australian universities participated in Acicis’ intensive Public Health Study Tour (PHST), with most receiving New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Grants. Led by Dr. Emily Rowe, a seasoned PHST facilitator, the two-week program (January 13–27) offered unparalleled insights into Indonesia’s public health system, blending academic rigor with hands-on field experiences. The PHST model—academic seminars + field visits + cultural exchange—continues to set the standard for experiential public health education. Applications for January 2025 will be closed in August.
Program Highlights
- 51 participants from 12 Australian universities
- 85% NCP grant recipients, underscoring the program’s academic prestige
- Dual-city immersion: Depok (Jakarta) and Yogyakarta
Academic Core: Seminars & Discussions
All students had to attend a series of seminars in Depok and Yogyakarta with eminent speakers as part of the tour requirement iterations. These include officials of the government, authorities in the field, and specialists from the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Public Health. During the seminar series, students could engage with Indonesian frontline workers and discuss opportunities and challenges in public health while gaining more knowledge about how the nation’s non-governmental organisations, like Rifka Annisa and Samsara, can support women’s empowerment and the fight against gender-based violence.
Field Visits: Public Health in Action
Students also had the opportunity to have field visits during the tour. The students visited Universitas Indonesia Hospital, a community waste management site in Bogor; the YAKKUM rehabilitation centre in Yogyakarta; the Code Riverside community in Yogyakarta; Puskesmas, a government-mandated community health care; and Posyandu, an integrated community-based health centre for children’s early development. All students also had the chance to visit the Kebaya Foundation, an NGO / non-profit organisation providing support, empowerment, and shelter for the LGBTQIA+ community in Yogyakarta. The primary purpose of these field trips is to give the students knowledge, understanding, and opportunities to experience the public health system in Indonesia.
Cultural Immersion
Additionally, students had cultural field trips along with the tour. They visited Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a cultural theme park in Indonesia with miniatures of each province called Anjungan. They learned about a general overview of the Indonesian cultural aspects of each region of Indonesia and had a chance to learn and practice Kecak dance from Bali. Additionally, they had the chance to fully immerse themselves in Yogyakarta by learning the traditional method of making Indonesian batik, and they brought their creations back to their home country.
Capstone Presentations
Every week, students conclude their studies with academic presentations and recommendations on various public health topics they have studied during the week. The tour guide and lecturers from Universitas Indonesia evaluated these presentations. 100% of students reported deepened understanding of global health disparities.
The tour concludes with a closing ceremony and mini-awards program where students receive recognition for their engagement and passion while dancing to a traditional dance called “Bambangan Cakil,” performed by Sanggar Tari Kusuma Aji.
We sincerely hope the students had as much fun with the program as we did and returned home with priceless knowledge, enduring friendships, and unforgettable experiences. We hope to cross paths again and wish the students well in their future endeavours. Sampai jumpa lagi!
