The Sustainable Tourism Professional Practicum (STPP) was once again delivered by Acicis during November–December 2025, with Bali as the main program location. In 2025, Acicis partnered with Universitas Mahasaraswati (Unmas) as the program’s Host University. The STPP cohort consisted of 7 students from a range of Australian universities, including Murdoch University, The University of Newcastle, Griffith University, The University of Melbourne, and the Australian National University. Participants came from diverse academic disciplines, which enriched discussions and encouraged the exchange of multiple perspectives throughout the program.
The STPP program ran for approximately five weeks in Bali. Prior to arrival, students participated in a series of online seminars and tutorials designed to prepare them academically and contextually for the in-country experience. These sessions were led by Dr Kelli Swazey, the Academic Program Officer for STPP, and featured expert guest speakers with extensive experience in sustainable tourism. The seminars focused on sustainable tourism in Indonesia, with particular emphasis on the Balinese context.
Upon arrival in Bali, before commencing the first Academic Week, students took part in a Bali orientation program facilitated by the STPP Program Assistant. This orientation aimed to introduce students to the local cultural, social, and environmental context. As part of the orientation, students also participated in an extracurricular hand building workshop at Membumi Project. During this activity, students joined a guided tour to observe traditional clay processing techniques and learned about the creative process behind production. They were also given the opportunity to create their own pieces, offering an early and meaningful engagement with local craftsmanship and sustainable creative practices.
The first Academic Week began with an Opening Ceremony, briefing by the Academic Program Officer (APO), meeting with mentors before the placement week, and Indonesian Language classes held at Universitas Mahasaraswati. These classes were designed to equip students with basic Indonesian language skills to support communication and engagement with local communities. Academic Week also included seminars, tutorials, and field trips that connected academic theory with practical applications in the field.
The first field trip took place at Pemulan Bali Cooking Farm, a community-based enterprise that emphasises local wisdom, including values of family, cooperation, and mutual support. Profits generated by Pemulan are reinvested into the local community (banjar) and various social initiatives, including training programs for local residents. During the visit, students explored the garden, harvested ingredients mindfully, and learned to prepare traditional Balinese dishes using local spices. The experience concluded with a shared meal prepared by the students themselves, offering a deeper understanding of the relationship between food, community, and sustainable tourism.
Students also visited Mana Earthly Paradise, an eco resort located in Ubud, Bali. Mana operates based on regenerative and environmentally friendly principles. The resort offers accommodation without air conditioning (using fans instead), an organic restaurant, an ecofriendly marketplace, and educational programs centred on nature and sustainable living. Through a discussion and Q&A session, students gained valuable insights into the management and operation of eco resorts and sustainable hospitality businesses.
After completing the first Academic Week, students began their professional placements at various Professional Placement Organisations (PPO), as assigned by the Academic Program Officer (APO). STPP participants were placed with organisations including Jaringan Ekowisata Desa (JED), Lily Lane Villas, Gili Eco Trust, and Five Pillar Experiences. During their placements, students gained hands-on experience through activities such as working closely with local communities in Nyambu Village – Tabanan, visiting villages implementing sustainable tourism initiatives, conducting research, developing programs, and supporting daily organisational operations. These placements provided valuable opportunities for students to apply academic knowledge in real world contexts and deepen their understanding of sustainable tourism practices.
The STPP program concluded with a Closing Ceremony held at Masa-Masa Bali. The event was attended by the Rector and the full Vice Rectorate of Universitas Mahasaraswati, Indonesian Language lecturers from Universitas Mahasaraswati, Mentor and PPO colleagues, Acicis staff, Liaison Officer and all STPP participants. The atmosphere was warm and reflective, filled with a sense of accomplishment as well as emotional farewells as the program came to an end.
Sampai jumpa lagi di Indonesia!
