2025 marked a significant milestone as the Agriculture Professional Practicum (APP) program was conducted twice within a single year for the very first time. The second intake, held from November to December, brought together fifteen students from across Australia. Coming from nine universities, namely the Australian National University, Curtin University, Flinders University, Monash University, La Trobe University, The University of Melbourne, University of New England, University of Queensland, and the University of Western Australia, the APP program participants embarked on their journey to Indonesia during their summer break. Supported by the New Colombo Plan, the program not only strengthened academic and professional skills but also deepened regional connections between Australia and Indonesia.
The November-December APP program blended innovative arrangements with the program’s established framework. Returning to her role as Academic Program Officer, Ms Rara Dewayanti, M.Sc. played a pivotal role in shaping this cohort, working closely with Acicis in-country staff to design and deliver the academic program and supervising professional placements. Meanwhile, distinct from previous iterations, the 2025 program adopted a hybrid format, with students engaging in a series of online seminars prior to their arrival in Indonesia. A defining feature of this intake was its inclusivity, welcoming students from a wide range of academic disciplines, including agribusiness, environmental studies, and molecular biology, who collectively enriched the program’s interdisciplinary character.
From Classroom Dialogues to Field Realities
A series of seminars, held online in early November 2025, marked the commencement of the APP program by introducing participants to Indonesia’s history, politics, culture, and sustainable agriculture sector. Once in Indonesia, participants engaged in deeper discussions on pressing agricultural issues, from land-use and sustainability challenges to education for youth. Taking place at Atma Jaya Catholic University, the offline sessions featured distinguished academics and practitioners who shared expertise from their respective fields. A highlight was the session led by Teddy Kristedi, Country Manager of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), who offered valuable insights from collaborative projects between Indonesia and Australia, inspiring students to envision future cross-border initiatives.
To make the experience more immersive, during the academic week APP participants joined field trips that offered firsthand exposure to Indonesia’s agricultural innovations and conservation efforts. At Mekarsari Fruit Garden, the country’s largest tropical fruit conservation site, participants not only learned about biodiversity preservation but also took part in a rice planting activity and Indonesia local fruit tasting. The APP program also brought them to Ladang Farm Teknologi, a pioneer of vertical farming in Jakarta, where they observed cutting-edge techniques addressing land scarcity and optimizing urban farming. These visits enriched their understanding of Indonesia’s agricultural landscape and inspired them to reflect on how traditional knowledge and modern technology can be integrated to shape the future of sustainable farming.
Building Connections Through Bahasa Indonesia Learning
As part of the program, students also undertake a 40-hour Indonesian language class designed to help them adjust to life in Indonesia, prepare for their upcoming placements, and foster deeper cross-cultural understanding. The curriculum is tailored to participants’ varying levels of proficiency, with some students entering with intermediate skills while many are complete beginners. To maximize learning, the class is structured as an intensive module during the academic week, providing a strong foundation in practical communication, followed by online sessions throughout the remainder of the program to reinforce knowledge and support continued progress.
Professional Placement: Applied Learning in Action
Following the academic week, APP participants were placed across four cities through collaboration with nine Professional Placement Organizations (PPOs): LAPI ITB, PT Sayuran Siap Saji (3S), SV-IPB, YAPEKA, Lembaga Alam Tropika Indonesia (LATIN), Koalisi Rakyat untuk Kedaulatan Pangan (KRKP), PT Sewu Segar Nusantara (Great Giant Food), AUSTREX Pty Ltd., and Aliet Green. Each placement was carefully mapped to match the students’ academic background, personal interests, and profile suitability, ensuring that they could contribute meaningfully while gaining relevant professional experience. The placements were designed not only to enhance student learning but also to benefit local counterparts by fostering knowledge exchange and creating opportunities for collaborative problem-solving in agriculture and community development.
In this cohort, many participants were granted the special opportunity to undertake external placements, allowing them to travel directly to project sites and observe their PPO’s work firsthand. From a plantation site in Bali to a demonstration plot in Madiun and a cattle port in Lampung, each visit offered unique insights into Indonesia’s diverse agricultural landscape. These experiences enriched the participants’ professional journey by exposing them to real-world challenges and innovative practices, while simultaneously reinforcing the program’s mission of bridging academic preparation with practical engagement that benefits both the students and their host institutions.
Celebrating Journeys, Building Lasting Connections
After nearly four weeks of internship, the APP program concluded with a closing ceremony at Atma Jaya Catholic University in the third week of December 2025. All fifteen participants returned to Jakarta for the occasion, reuniting with one another before their departure back to Australia. The event served as both a celebration of their collective journey and a reflection on the lessons gained throughout the program. Representing the cohort, Tim Porter, who undertook his placement at PT Sayuran Siap Saji, delivered a closing speech, emphasizing that one of the most valuable outcomes of his experience was the network he built, a highlight that resonated with many of his peers and underscored the enduring connections fostered through the APP program.
Sampai jumpa lagi di Indonesia!
Learn more about the Agriculture Professional Practicum (APP) here
