ACICIS Fundraising Appeal – #acicis25years

We hope you are keeping safe and healthy in these unprecedented times. ACICIS needs your help. Like many organisations, we have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. With programs cancelled for the rest of 2020, international travel bans still firmly in place, and no indication as to when we might be able to resume running programs in Indonesia, our existence is under significant threat. It is for this reason we are taking the extraordinary step of launching this fundraising appeal. 

This year ACICIS celebrates its 25th anniversary. None of us anticipated marking this milestone under these conditions. Since 1995, more than 3,500 students have undertaken study in Indonesia through our programs – including 517 students last year (2019) alone. We are so incredibly proud of all our alumni and their achievements, and you have all played an important part in our history. To see the spark of interest of Indonesia in a student’s eyes and to see that grow and become part of the larger Australia-Indonesia relationship, and to see where you end up in your careers, is the reason we continue to do the work we do. Although we have survived numerous hurdles over the past 25 years, this time, we can’t do it without you!

Whether you are part of the Keluarga ACICIS (ACICIS Family) as an alumni or a friend, and would like to see us weather this crisis, please support us by donating to this appeal. We are seeking to raise $150,000. Every dollar donated will go towards helping us to preserve our core operations and infrastructure in Australia and Indonesia through to the other side of the pandemic. We understand that these are tough economic times for many, and we are but one organisation asking for your charitable dollars. With your support though, we hope to continue to help strengthen the Australia-Indonesia relationship through in-country experiences in Indonesia.

In June-August 2020, ACICIS raised a total of:

AU$49,691

264 Donors

62 Comments

Updated 11/08/2020



ELENA WILLAMS “ACICIS offers a specialised understanding of Indonesia that no other organisation provides. ACICIS’ numerous alumni make a difference in deepening Australia’s understanding of Indonesia across business, government, the media, and academia. As a former student and ACICIS Resident Director, I can’t imagine an Australia-Indonesia relationship without ACICIS, and I encourage every ACICIS alumni to give as generously as you can afford to ensure ACICIS continues to transform the lives of so many young Australians and Indonesians.”

RAVEEN RANAWAKE

CLAIRE HARDING

KIRRILEE HUGHES “My ACICIS year shaped the course of my academic and professional careers; boosted my language skills; and helped me forge friendships and connections that I still cherish today. I want more Australian students to experience living, studying and working in Indonesia first-hand and for that, ACICIS is essential. Please consider supporting ACICIS so that it can continue changing lives for another 25 years to come!”

ALICE McCULLAGHMy semester with ACICIS was the most useful and impactful part of my entire degree. It has given me a lifelong connection with Indonesia. I’m always so disappointed to see how few students consider Indonesia as a destination for in-country study – I hope future students will have the same opportunity that I did to study there.

THOMAS BARKER

DIAN MARIN PURNAMA “ACICIS plays an important part in my career, and my passion in Australia-Indonesia bilateral relations and development. However ACICIS to me is much more than just a professional stepping stone; it is a family. I strongly believe that ACICIS is a critical catalyst to people-to-people link between Australia and Indonesia, as more and more friendships and understanding between the two countries grow from it. I am always thankful of the experience that I gained from ACICIS, as well as the colleagues and students who have become my family and friends along the way. I hope that ACICIS can stay strong for this meaningful impact to continue to cascade.”

JEREMY KINGSLEY

KATHERINE CLAYTON “My first experience of Indo was with ACICIS and it was incredible. It runs so many great programs with such amazing staff.”

DAVID SCOTT “Saya doakan ACICIS masih berada berpuluhan tahun ke depan, melayani anak muda Australia yang ingin menuntut ilmu di tanah air.”

SEAR PRABAWA-SEAR

PETRA MAHY

SHARYN DAVIES

SAGE MICHAELS

ROHAN MCCARTHY-GILL “ACICIS Study Indonesia has been the most influential and impactful organisation supporting Australian student experiences in Indonesia for decades. It would sadden me to see ACICIS disappear, and it would have a long term impact on the Australia-Indonesia relationship.”

CASEY CESARIN “As an ACICIS alumnus, my experience further cemented my love of Indonesia, the Indonesian people and the Indonesian culture. Thank you for offering these programs and I hope they can continue into the future.”

ANGIE BEXLEY

JOSEPHINE LIE “My year with ACICIS was so formative – shaping the trajectory of my career and forming valuable friendships. I hope that they’ll have the chance to continue this important work.”

ASHLEIGH FOLLAND

PATRICK JORY

JADE SCIBERRAS 

ANDREW ROSSER

ERIN BROMFIELD

DAVID SCHOLEFIELD “Words alone can not express the depths of my gratitude to ACICIS for all that they do for the Australia – Indonesia relationship. You changed my life, and the lives and career trajectories of thousands of others. May you continue to do so for many years to come.”

DALE DRUHAN “Loved every ACICIS program I did! Thanks team for making my time in Indonesia memorable and for connecting Aussies with Indonesia :)”

MIRA SULISTIYANTO

JAMES ROUSSELL “I have a lot to be thankful to ACICIS for. I wouldn’t have the life I have now if I never went to live in Yogya for a year. Reason being, I would never have met my INCULS tutor, who I then went on to marry! Thank ACICIS ;)”

RACHAEL DIPROSE

EMILY WOODS “Very important to keep this initiative going. Australia’s future leaders are raised through these programs.”

IAN WILSON

EDUARDO MARIZ

REBECCA HENSCHKE “In my 15 years living and reporting in Indonesia whenever I met an impressive Australian, in the media, academia, government, business or tourism, someone who could speak Indonesian and had deep understanding and respect for our nearest neighbor- they were ALWAYS always Ex Acicis students. Acicis must survive.”

AARON BRONITT “I had a great previous experience with ACICIS in Salatiga and am hoping to go on exchange next year. I really hope this can still happen with the amazing help of ACICIS.”

JOEL BACKWELL “Such a critical organisation for Australia’s future in the region.”

LAUREN ADAMS “ACICIS is such an important foundation of the Indonesia-Australia relationship. It was absolutely formative in my own professional career and as core part of my continued success. Hang in there guys.”

BRIANNON McLOUGHLIN 

CHRIS MILLS

LEANNE HARRISON “Thank you so much for the amazing programs you’ve developed over the years. So many students have received life changing experiences through your programs.”

EDMUND COLEMAN “I owe so much to the staff at ACICIS, they are some of the most caring and hardworking people I have ever met. Taking part in the FLIP and ILSC programs were two of most enriching and enjoyable experiences of my education. Up ACICIS!”

TANYA SARGEANT

TIANA MAHNCKE

ELISABETH KRAMER

ELLEN KENT

FIONA BETTESWORTH

STEWART PALMER

SUNNY REKEN

ADAM DA CRUZ

NICOLA MASON

NICK HEANEY

TIM ARTELARIS

ADAM MUSONDA

MASHAAL KHAN

GEORGIA LEYENDEKKERS “ACICIS helped foster a fundamental learning journey for me as a young person interested in social justice and development. Without support for Australian students to live, learn, and expand their understanding of the world through Asia or the Pacific, we would be a poorer nation with a poorer future. Tetap semangat, Keluarga ACICIS.”

JANELLE FALCONER “ACICIS uniquely contributes to Indonesian-Australian connectedness. It strengthens people to people relations through transforming the lives of students and communities in both countries, enabling meaningful and lasting intercultural understanding. I am honoured to have experienced the value of the ACICIS programs first-hand as an alumni and am forever grateful to the ACICIS staff for their professionalism and support throughout three life changing and career enhancing immersion semesters in 2015 and 2017. The maintenance of ACICIS professional programs is vital to the sustainability of Australia’s bonds with our Indonesian neighbours and bilateral benefits in the years to come.”

LIZ DRYSDALE

TOM COULTER

PETER CROCKETT

JANELLE SMITH “I was lucky enough to visit Indonesia in July last year for the Public Health Study Tour. The experience that I had with ACICIS was life changing and I would highly recommend it to all. The hospitality of the Indonesians was incredible and I think organisation’s such as ACICIS need all the support they can get to be able to keep functioning. The work they do is important and they have a huge impact due to the quality, friendly and hard working staff that they have.”

CLAIRE RODER

ANDREW HENDERSON

TIM FLICKER “Pengalaman saya di Indonesia tak bisa terlupakan.”

CATHERINE WOOD “Thankyou ACICIS for introducing me to Indonesia, some of my life long friends and leading me towards my current career. An incredible opportunity for students and one I feel so grateful to have had and hope many more will continue to have into the future.”

LUCAS CARY “I was fortunate to go on two ACICIS programs in 2019. The amazing work the ACICIS staff do is integral to the Indonesia-Australia relationship and I hope that it can continue for another 25 years.”

NATARIGA PANYAWATCHAKUN “I really hope ACICIS makes it through this difficult time. Semangat semua!”

HEIDI ARBUCKLE “No other program is as important to nurturing the next generation Australia-Indonesia relationship as ACICIS. Long live ACICIS!”

CLAIRE CHUA “The PHST by ACICIS has been one of the most life-changing experiences that I have ever had in my tertiary studies. I managed to explore a country that I’d never been to before, experienced the richness of Indonesian culture, and met friends that I still keep in touch with regularly. My university experience would not have been half as engaging and rewarding without the experience that this program offered me. Furthermore, the staff at ACICIS are welcoming, warm and caring and were amazing leaders all throughout our trip. I really hope to see this organisation stay so that future university students can be offered the same opportunity that I was!!”

PETER OSBOLDSTONE

SOPHIE WADDEN

IRMA DJAYA

SARAH ARGLES

ANNE DICKSON

MICHAEL FROOD

NICK WALLACE

JUSTINE FITZGERALD

CLAIRE LEONG

ALESSANDRO SERENI

NICHOLAS DOBRIJEVICH 

JARRAD MERLO “Tetap semangat!”

BRIAN PAVANELLO

LOUISE ELLIOT “My son participated in one of your programs and it was very professional and well done.”

NIGEL WESTERN

NENEN ILAHI

JEMMA ARMAN

REBECCA GREENWOOD

LEWIS LAVERTY WILSON

ULLA KEECH-MARX

VLAD SHULYAK “Saya mahasiswa sedang sekarang. Saya mau belajar di Indonesia tahun 2023. Saya berharap, sumbangan saya tolong ACICIS selama krisis virus korona.”

JEMMA PURDEY

SUNNY SANDERSON “Back in 1999, waktu Pemilu, ACICIS was the key to an in-depth understanding of Indonesian language and more importantly culture. Twenty years later, after a range of projects, I continue to do research there. As the old adage still applies: Aku Cinta Indonesia Cinta Indonesia Sekali (A.C.I.C.I.S.)”

FRAN BAXTER “It has been a pleasure working with you, I wish you well in staying alive. It is important work.”

KYLE MULDER

GREG ACCIAIOLI

CHRISTINE MATHIESON

SARAH LIM

DEBRA HOVEN

LESLEY HARBON

LEONARD VOGEL “Key to being mates with our neighbours!”

LYDIA TROTTER

MADURA MCCORMACK

ROBERT CRIBB

LYN PARKER

JASSMYN GOH

TAYLAH BELL “ACICIS has contributed immensely to where I am today. I am so grateful for my ACICIS experience. I am not able to donate much but I hope ACICIS can continue for many years to come.”

RIYONG KIM “The ACICIS experience was life changing! We need this now more than ever to foster cross cultural understanding and respect.”

KIRBY TAYLOR “ACICIS offers an unparalleled opportunity to get to know the real Indonesia outside of the classroom, textbooks and online content available to students. The friendships made with other curious and engaged Australian participants as well as local Indonesian people – whether it be fellow students, peers from extracurricular activities or just those you met in the neighbourhood and had a regular chat with, will last a lifetime. These interactions and conversations break down barriers between neighbours at an important grassroots level. The fire ignited by a study tour or a semester studying with ACICIS continues through so many who remain engaged in the Australia-Indonesia relationship in various sectors. This passion is invaluable to Australia’s desire to have strengthened and deeper engagement with Indonesia.”

LIAM MCKINNIE

WAHID RAHMAN “ACICIS is not only important for Australian students, but also for Indonesian students. Every semester, ACICIS offers internship and volunteer opportunities for Indonesian students. Those opportunities allows Indonesian students to get experience, skills, a taste of Australia-Indonesia relations, and most importantly friendship with Anak ACICIS. I was one of those Indonesian students who had the opportunity to be a part of ACICIS. ACICIS has contributed a lot to my life. It is more than just a workplace, but it is also a family and a place to learn. I am forever thankful to all Keluarga ACICIS, the staff, the students, and the alumni for all great memories that we had, the challenges we conquer, the skill that you all thought, the wisdom you all shared, and the friendship that you always give. I hope ACICIS can survive this difficult time dan panjang umur. Tetap semangat!”

ANDREW MANSOUR

ANNIE POHLMAN “ACICIS was a formative part of my relationship with Indonesia, and I cannot imagine a higher education sector without it.”

DAVID BOURCHIER “Every student that ACICIS helps study in Indonesia has tens of thousands of interactions with Indonesians. This is international relations in practice. Take ACICIS out of the picture and Australia’s relationship with Indonesia will be set back years. ACICIS is a national treasure: it must survive!”

EMILY HENG “ACICIS is a key program in bridging the relationship between Australia and Indonesia. Almost everyone I know who has continued their engagement in the Aust-Indo space has been on an ACICIS program. Personally, I had the privilege of going to Salatiga for a 6 week intensive language short course, which gave me lifelong friends and inspired me to become more engaged in the bilateral relationship. It is my hope that the next generation of students will be able to have these kinds of formative experiences in Indonesia through ACICIS as well.”

AARON FOWLER “I look back on ACICIS with the fondest of memories. I made life long friends and will be forever grateful for the opportunity to study at UGM.”

MERRYN RIDER

CHRISTOPHER LAI

BONNIE HERMAWAN

REX TION “My friend went on an ACICIS program last year and it was a life changing for him. I really hope that ACICIS can reach it’s fundraising goal so they can continue their important work :)”

MADELEINE PRATT

KIRRILLY MCKENZIE

MATTHEW SHAW “Terima kasih banyak ACICIS, tetap semangat!”

DAISY ALDAM

MITRA CONSULTANTS

GRANT REVELL

DARCY MURPHY

MOLLY COOKE

MEGAN ABBAS “I loved my ACICIS semester. It provided a solid foundation for my career as an Indonesian history.”

OLIVIA HESLOP “ACICIS changes lives – it’s important to ensure this program continues into the future!”

JAMES TURNER “ACICIS’ role in the future of our two countries relationship can not be understated. It is an incredibly important consortium that allows highed education and industry links between Indonesia and Australia to grow and develop. The experience that participants take away from their studies is one that follows them throughout life.”

EMILI ARDALICH “This program must continue, no matter what happens… without ACICIS, thousands of us would never have experienced the wonders of beautiful Indonesia, nor have nearly as many opportunities to create meaningful international relationships that will transcend into both professional and personal spheres. ACICIS is a place of growth and realisation of potential, and therefore must be protected at all costs!”

PAULA HENDRIKX “Tetap semangat to all the ACICIS staff in Indonesia and Australia – we care for you and I truly hope ACICIS will continue to exist for many years to come.”

ESTHER SAINSBURY

MICHAEL ZANON

SINEAD MAGUIRE

JAYDEN THISTLEWAITE

HARRY POLLOCK

JACK RAMSAY

ELI KRAMER

REMA O’NEILL

KRISTIAN VANDERMEER

CASSANDRA MORA

IVEN MANNING “Long live ACICIS”

PETER ROTHWELL

EMMA O’HARA

JAKE WUNDERSITZ

JOHN DOOLEY “ACICIS played an absolutely invaluable role in my study experience. I took advantage of short language courses between semesters and a longer full-semester immersion program. This experience has given me a second language which I will have for life, enhanced my ability to conduct field research in further postgraduate studies, and added highly valuable skills to my resume to increase my employability after graduation.”

ZACHARY LOOK

JOEY EAGLETON “My ACICIS year was a rewarding experience both personally and professionally. Without a doubt my ACICIS experience opened doors as a fresh graduate trying to enter the workforce for the first time. Nearly a decade later, I still draw on the diverse ACICIS network which has established itself across all sectors of the Australia-Indonesia relationship. Tetap semangat!”

TENNILLE BERNHARD

LIAM McFADZEAN-LODGE “Without the incredible staff and expertise of ACICIS I would’t have had the opportunity to spend an incredible semester in Yogyakarta. Selalu semangat ACICIS!”

DAVID HILL

KRISHNA SEN

MATTHEW EKERSLEY

TASMAN VAUGHAN

GRACE DONG

CLAIRE HADLEY

BENITA CHUDLEIGH

SOPHIE HEWITT

HANNAH BRIMSTONE

NINA ROBERTSON

SHARMILA YAZEEM

NATALI PEARSON

MARLENE MILLOTT

MICHAEL SHEEHY

TODD DIAS

MADDIE MAINWARING

CHAKRIS SRISUWAN “ACICIS will flourish!”

SARAH HUNT “It’s been many years since I took the ACICIS program but I remember it for the wonderful opportunity it gave me to develop my professional skills in Indonesia. This is such a valuable initiative and I wish you the best on your fundraising efforts.”

KRISTEN STOKES

DANIKA SEKULOFF

ANNA JOHNSON

DANIEL WEBB

JADE CONTARINO

JARRYD THIEL

VALERIE TAN

WILLIAM TON

KARTHIKA VYRAVANATHAN

ANDALEEP AKHAND

TROY KEAST “Hidup ACICIS”

TAMSIN SMITH

TONY ROSS “Good luck team”

GEORGIA EAGLETON

KATE THRESHER

PAUL THOMAS “Majulah ACICIS”

MEG SYDES

JOHN PSILOPATIS 

BRETT HOUGH

TAMARA MEGAW

DAMIAN BOLTON

KATARZNYA SIENKO

LOTTE TROOST

MEGAN REINWALD “ACICIS was the most rewarding and impactful experience of my six years at university. I really hope the program can keep operating, for the benefit of all future students!”

DON MARKWELL

TIM MARTIN

MATTHEW ZURSTRASSEN

NICHOLAS HERRIMAN

KERRY JAMES

SHANTI OMODEI-JAMES

ISAAC BENNETT

DANIEL STOW

MADDY MERZVINSKIS

YOLANTE JONES

GAVIN HEIGHT

KAIH MITCHELL

JAMIE PYE “Semoga sukses bagi masa depan ACICIS!”

REBEKAH BAYNARD-SMITH

GILANG FAUZI “ACICIS have changed my life, especially the life path that I choose now. I learned a lot from ACICIS, got a lot of connections through ACICIS, have opened my mind to choose the postgrad program, played important part in my career now, and the most important thing is that I was very honored that I was the part of ACICIS family.”

CARRIE HALOUN

ADI SULISTIYANTO

RAYMOND WEBBER

BEN MURTAGH

ADELLE NEARY “A seminal undergraduate experience which expanded my horizons like nothing else. I hope ACICIS is able to keep providing its invaluable service to young Australians for many decades to come.”

RACHAEL DIPROSE

JASON VALUSAGA “Thank you ACICIS for providing opportunities for young people and for the role your organisation plays in strengthening bilateral relations.”

BARBARA HATLEY

FLETCHER MILES

CLARE CHRISTENSEN

ROSS KALLA

MADDIE MACREADIE SMITH

NATASHA BURROWS

IAN SATCHWELL

JACK WYTHES

SOPHIE REVINGTON

LEAH O’KEEFE

AMY HULETT

PAM ALLEN

DAVID MCRAE

MIA CICCARELLO

JAIME BERRILL

GEORGE QUINN

STEVEN DRAKELEY

LENORE TARDIFF

DOUGLAS SHAW

CAROL WARREN

QUINTEN HODSON

ANYA HODSON “Such a life shaping experience for me which I hope can be offered to many more students to come.”

JUSTIN TATEL “Aku Cinta Indonesia Cinta Sekali”