The first-ever November-December Creative Arts and Design Professional Practicum (CADPP) cohort brought together three students from across Australia. A dynamic trio representing Griffith University, University of Technology Sydney, and RMIT University. All three participants were supported by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP) mobility grants, receiving $4,000 each to assist with program costs.
Under the guidance of Ms. Dyah Pandam Mitayani (Mita), Acicis’ Academic Program Officer, students were thoroughly prepared for their professional placements through a thoughtfully designed curriculum combining academic seminars, field trips, cultural immersion, and industry engagement. Mita’s role extended beyond coordination, she curated tailored learning experiences, forged meaningful connections with Indonesia’s creative sector, and equipped students with the cultural understanding and practical skills essential for navigating Indonesia’s dynamic professional landscape.
The program launched with three online seminars throughout November before students arrived in Jakarta for an orientation day featuring hands-on cultural activities: a wayang puppet-painting workshop and layang-layang (kite) painting, both facilitated by Museum Layang-Layang Indonesia. This was followed by an intensive Academic Week at Atma Jaya Catholic University, packed with three more seminars, Bahasa Indonesia training, and two field trips: a visit to Museum Tekstil Jakarta with a batik workshop, and a sustainable fashion workshop at Setali Indonesia exploring circular design and upcycling practices.
The seminar series was strategically crafted to prepare students for their placements in Jakarta and Yogyakarta’s art studios and organisations. Highlights included a hybrid seminar on Sustainability, Community, and Creative Enterprise in Indonesia featuring entrepreneurs Putri Andamdewi (Sare Studio) and Emmelyn Gunawan (Canaan Bali, Lebajo), whose candid discussions resonated deeply. As student Hanako Houstone reflected, “It was such a relief to hear that you once start somewhere and keep figuring things out while moving forward.”
Another standout was an on-site session at MET Glodok with artist Metta Setiandi, combining Heritage, Community & Artistic Practice with a walking tour of Jakarta’s Chinatown, a format honouring the inseparable connection between Metta’s artistic practice and her community roots. The academic program culminated with a hands-on workshop with T&DON on Storytelling and Presentation Design for Creative Practitioners, equipping students with essential pitching skills for their creative careers.
Sampai jumpa lagi di Indonesia!
Learn more about the Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum (CADPP) here
