The Journalism Professional Practicum (JPP) 2025 brought together nine talented students from Australian universities for an immersive exploration of Indonesia’s dynamic media landscape. From January to February, participants gained firsthand experience in Indonesian newsrooms while deepening their understanding of the country’s media environment and cultural context.

This year’s cohort comprised students from:

  • Monash University

  • The University of Melbourne

  • RMIT University

  • La Trobe University

  • The University of Sydney

While most participants came from media and communications backgrounds, the program also welcomed a psychology student, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of modern journalism. Through a competitive selection process, students were matched with host organizations based on their academic interests and professional aspirations.

Thanks to the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan, eight of our nine students received $4,000 mobility grants, enabling this transformative experience. These future foreign correspondents, investigative reporters and media innovators arrived in Jakarta ready to challenge their assumptions and expand their professional horizons.

Academic Preparation: Understanding Indonesia’s Media Landscape

Prior to their placements, students engaged in a comprehensive seminar series featuring:

  • Leading Indonesian journalists and media academics

  • Discussions on pressing industry challenges including:

    • Misinformation and disinformation

    • News avoidance trends

    • Social media’s impact on traditional journalism

    • Publishers’ rights and media bargaining codes

These sessions fostered lively debate and exposed students to diverse perspectives on Indonesia’s evolving media ecosystem.

Professional Placements: Real-World Journalism Experience

Students undertook four-week placements with five prestigious Indonesian media organizations:

  1. The Jakarta Post – Indonesia’s premier English-language daily

  2. TEMPO English – Renowned investigative news magazine

  3. SEA Today – Emerging Southeast Asian news network

  4. Voice of Indonesia – National radio broadcasting service

  5. Yayasan Plan International Indonesia – Development-focused NGO

Our students had the opportunity to work with renowned media outlets, including The Jakarta Post, TEMPO English, SEA Today, Voice of Indonesia, and Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (YPPI). With placements at these pivotal institutions, our students were able to experience the heart of Indonesian media, all while immersing themselves in the country’s rich culture and media landscape. This year saw a unique pair of students in each work placement, as we were able to allocate two students at (almost) each host organisation which in turn, bolster unique and dynamic exchange of stories between students on key takeaways, challenges encountered, and possible solutions they need to overcome the problem. Furthermore, this also enables the students to support each other all throughout the program.

Before diving into their placements, the students participated in a series of enriching seminars and tutorials designed to deepen their understanding of the field. Featuring some notable figures from Indonesian journalism, including reputable media practitioners and renowned academicians, they explore the intricacies of the Indonesian media landscape and tackle tough topics like misinformation and news avoidance, to debates on the balance between social media and traditional media. These sessions were both informative and thought-provoking, as they stimulate lively and insightful discussions. Opinions were thrown, disagreements made, but above all, and most importantly, knowledge and perspective exchanged. The last seminar session focused on publishers’ rights and bargaining code rounded out the curriculum, giving students a comprehensive look at the complexities of media in Indonesia.

Behind the Scenes: Newsroom Field Visits

A key highlight of the program was the field trip to CNN Indonesia and SEA Today, both of which the students enjoyed very much, as the students got to experience the buzz of a live newsroom. This hands-on visit was not only a chance to observe the inner workings of top-tier newsrooms but also allowed students to engage directly with industry professionals, ask questions, and get invaluable insights into the real-world workings of journalism.

Cultural Immersion: Beyond the Newsroom

Not overlooking the importance of a hands-on cultural experience, our students also embraced the rich and vibrant Indonesian culture through a variety of exciting extracurricular activities. From painting traditional puppets facilitated by the colleagues at Museum Wayang Indonesia to learning the intricate art of batik-making using canting, the students had a blast exploring Indonesia’s artistic heritage and delving deep into Indonesia’s magnificent culture. These fun, interactive experiences added an unforgettable dimension to their time in Indonesia.

Program Outcomes and Reflections

To sum up this year’s program, it would be an understatement to say that the JPP team is an epic genius, for they were nothing short of inspirational and legendary. The 2025 JPP cohort truly embodied the spirit of international journalism combining rigorous academic preparation with hands-on experience and cultural immersion. We are beyond proud of our students and can’t wait to see where their JPP journey takes them next!

 

Applications for JPP 2026 closes on 1 June 2025. If you would a chance to:
✓ Build an international portfolio
✓ Develop sources across Asia-Pacific
✓ Gain the cross-cultural fluency that defines 21st-century journalism
✓ Join our growing network of alumni working in global media

This is your time to embark on this journey. Apply now!