In July 2025, Acicis hosted 51 students from eight Australian universities for the Public Health Study Tour (PHST). The majority of participants received mobility funding through the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Program. Taking place from July 5 to 20, the program was once again led by Dr. Emily Rowe, who has served multiple times as the Tour Leader for both in-country and virtual iterations of the PHST.

The tour began with an orientation session facilitated by Acicis staff, offering students an overview of Indonesia’s public health landscape and cultural context. The official opening ceremony was held by the Faculty of Public Health at Universitas Indonesia.

Taking place in both Depok and Yogyakarta, the program included a wide range of activities such as expert-led seminars, site visits to health-focused institutions, and cultural excursions. In addition to engaging in discussions on a variety of public health themes, students visited Universitas Indonesia Hospital, waste management facilities in Bogor, YAKKUM Rehabilitation Center in Yogyakarta, the Code River community, as well as Puskesmas (community health centers mandated by the government) and Posyandu (community-based health centers for early childhood development).

 

During the field visits, students also explored the initiatives of the Kebaya Foundation in Yogyakarta—an NGO that offers shelter, support, and empowerment for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. These visits were designed to give students direct exposure to the public health infrastructure and challenges in Indonesia.

To complement their academic activities, students also took part in cultural programs, including trips to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII),where they could explore various Indonesia province pavilion and museums that displays biodiversity and cultural diversity. They also participated in a Batik-making workshop at Kebon Agung Tourism Village Yogyakarta, where they created their own Batik pieces.

 

Each week concluded with student presentations of their academic findings and recommendations on selected public health topics, which were assessed by the tour leader and lecturers from Universitas Indonesia. The program wrapped up with a closing lunch that featured a mini award ceremony recognizing the students’ active participation and enthusiasm. A traditional dance performance by a local Yogyakarta-based dance studio performing a dance inspired by Indonesian tales of Srikandi and Cakil, served as the tour’s final highlight.

We hope the program proved to be a rewarding experience for all students, equipping them with new insights, friendships, and lasting memories. Wishing them every success in their future paths—until we meet again. Sampai jumpa lagi!

Learn more about the Public Health Study Tour (PHST) here