Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP)

From July to December 2025, Acicis hosted 15 students in the Flexible Language Immersion Program (FLIP) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). All FLIP students are enrolled in Indonesian language courses at INCULS UGM. Apart from their language training, some students also take immersion subjects offered by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Economics and Business, and the Faculty of Biology.

The program began with a three-day orientation session that mainly helped students to gain various information and insight, ranging from topics about Indonesian culture, immigration and police procedure, tips on finding accommodation, and classes to take based on students’ language proficiency and interests. To help students bond and become more familiar with their surroundings, particularly the university area, Acicis also organised a team-based activity called the “Acicis Race.” Through this interactive and comprehensive series of sessions, the orientation was designed to equip students with the knowledge and confidence needed to undertake a successful semester in Yogyakarta.

Throughout the semester, students in the Acicis FLIP program engaged and immersed not only in the classroom but also in various other activities, such as excursion and cultural parade. In the excursion, Airlie (Monash University), Lottie (Private Applicant), along with two DSIP students and Acicis staff, participated in a cooking experience at TEPIKOTA based on the monumental Indonesian cookbook Mustikarasa. Meanwhile, the cultural parade (kirab budaya), held on Indonesian Independence Day, allowed Shaneeva (Leiden University), Lily (Adelaide University), Amandine (Australian National University) and Lottie to take part in a festive walk alongside the local community. 

This semester, seven FLIP students wanted to expand their experience not only in cultural engagement but also in hands-on professional practice by undertaking professional placements with local host organisations through the internship program.

The memorable semester concluded with an Acicis farewell dinner and an INCULS graduation ceremony at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. During the farewell dinner, Simone from the University of Sydney delivered a warm and reflective speech, sharing her journey of adapting to life as a FLIP student in Indonesia. She spoke about how meaningful her time in Yogyakarta had been and how the experiences shaped her as an Acicis student. We hope her reflections resonated with all students who took part in the FLIP Program in Semester 61. 

Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP)

Acicis proudly hosted 9 students in the Development Studies Immersion Program (DSIP) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) from July to December 2025. All DSIP students received funding through the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP). The DSIP program is structured to equip students with hands-on development experience through an eight-week professional placement, participation in seminars, and case study visits that enhance their understanding of contemporary development issues within the Indonesian context. Additionally, students participated in an eight-week Indonesian language course at INCULS UGM, which supported the development of their communication abilities and cultural awareness. 

Acicis recognises that transitioning into a completely new environment can be challenging, therefore a comprehensive three-day orientation was conducted at the outset of the program. Through a series of sessions, students gained essential knowledge, including information on finding accommodation, Indonesian culture, immigration and police procedures, and academic matters.

Once students were ready, they participated in a series of development-focused seminars, which were subsequently followed by case study visits to various local host organisations, such as Yayasan Kebaya, an organisation that works to give healthcare to people living with HIV and older adults, stands up for the rights of transgender women and other at-risk groups, and offers inclusive education through Smart-Transchool. These activities enabled students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world development contexts.

As a core component of the DSIP program, professional placements enabled all students to intern with local organisations and gain practical insight into development work in Indonesia. For example, Mitchell from the Western Sydney University interned with JRS Indonesia (Jesuit Refugee Service), a humanitarian organisation dedicated to supporting and defending the rights of refugees and displaced individuals, whether within their own country or as asylum seekers from abroad. Furthermore, Kayla Aldikomi completed an internship at Puspaga (Pusat Pembelajaran Keluarga Prima), a government institution that focuses on family wellness. They also offer free community consultation services. 

The memorable semester concluded with an Acicis farewell dinner and an INCULS graduation ceremony at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. During the farewell dinner, Ewan and Ebony from the University of Sydney delivered a touching and entertaining speech, reflecting on their feelings toward the whole semester and Acicis through an abbreviation of each letter of Acicis. Acicis is beyond proud to acknowledge the students’ both personal and professional accomplishments during this semester. This experience is expected to provide students with meaningful insights and competencies that will contribute to their future career development.

International Relations Program (IRP)

Acicis was pleased to welcome four IRP students—Samuel (Sam), Grace, Kyle, and Abby—to Bandung for the International Relations Program at UNPAR. Over five months, the students completed a comprehensive International Relations curriculum, including Southeast Asian International Relations, Diplomacy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Foreign Policy Analysis, and International Business Politics. Alongside their academic studies, they participated in weekly BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia untuk Penutur Asing) classes to support their daily interactions and deepen their engagement with local communities in Indonesia.

As part of the professional practicum, Grace completed her placement at SOS Children’s Villages, working in the sponsorship division. Her responsibilities included drafting fundraising emails, organising children’s photographs, and conducting visits to the Lembang children’s village. Meanwhile, Kyle and Abby completed their professional practica at the Greeneration Foundation, focusing on waste management issues. Abby contributed to projects in her division focused on waste collection and disposal across several cities in Indonesia, while Kyle focused on fundraising initiatives, donor mapping, and identifying potential donors. Kyle and Abby also participated in the PUB (Pengumpulan Uang dan/atau Barang) distribution program in Panjunan, Bandung, gaining firsthand insight into local waste management challenges through visits to residential areas and direct engagement with community members.

The program also featured a variety of cultural and recreational activities. Students participated in a traditional West Java music session at Saung Angklung Udjo, where they observed the angklung-making process and played the angklung, a traditional bamboo musical instrument native to West Java. In addition, they visited a coffee plantation in collaboration with the Healthy Harvest team to learn about environmentally sustainable practices and gain insight into the economic livelihoods of Bandung’s coffee farmers.

Beyond formal program activities, the students actively engaged in local student life by joining various student organisations and connecting with the local chapter of the Australia–Indonesia Youth Association, among other initiatives. Throughout the program, they explored destinations around Bandung, including Kawah Putih, Tangkuban Perahu, Cikole, and Kota Baru Parahyangan, and also travelled to other regions across Indonesia, such as Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Solo, Bangka Belitung, Lampung, Malang, Tegal, Bogor, and Karimunjawa.

On 19 January 2026, the cohort concluded the program with a farewell gathering at Aroem Restaurant in Dago, near UNPAR. The event featured student presentations ahead of their departure, followed by tokens of appreciation recognising their academic achievements, cultural experiences, and meaningful social contributions.

 

West Java Field Study (WJFS)

Acicis was pleased to welcome the return of the West Java Field Study (WJFS) program, with one student, Amber, in Bandung. Over four months, Amber supervised a thesis with the Faculty of Development Economics and enrolled in coursework on International Relations in Southeast Asia, alongside weekly Indonesian language classes.

For the professional practicum component, Amber completed her placement at the Resilience Development Initiative (RDI), where she conducted research for a policy brief on parametric insurance in Indonesia. This research focused on key challenges within the current insurance system, which is often considered slow, costly, and insufficient in covering farmers’ potential losses.

Beyond formal program activities, Amber actively engaged in local student life by joining various student organisations and interacting with the local chapter of the Australia–Indonesia Youth Association. Throughout the program, she explored destinations around Bandung, including Kawah Putih, Tangkuban Perahu, and Cikole, and also travelled to other cities, including Yogyakarta and Jakarta.

On 17 December 2025, Amber successfully undertook her thesis defence with the Faculty of Development Economics and the Faculty of International Relations. Her thesis, titled “Unlocking Digital Trade Potential: An Econometric and Policy Analysis of Australia–Indonesia Digital Economy Relations,” was examined smoothly, and all required revisions were completed by Amber to a high standard.

Closing remarks

Acicis is deeply proud of the students’ accomplishments during this brief yet meaningful period. We hope this experience will inspire them to continue refining their Indonesian language skills and widening their academic and intercultural perspectives.

Sampai jumpa lagi di Indonesia!

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