Xin Ling Tan is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from University of Western Australia. Xin undertook the Public Health Study Tour (PHST) in August 2025.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the Acicis Public Health Study Tour?
I decided to join Acicis as I believed it would be a valuable opportunity to broaden my perspective on different healthcare systems. The chance to learn and explore Indonesia, while also connecting with people from various parts of Australia, was particularly appealing to me.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
Yes, I received the grant, and it helped me immensely by reducing the financial strain I would have faced if I had gone on this trip without it. It allowed me to focus fully on the experience without worrying about the costs.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about your experience on the PHST?
The most challenging part of the trip was taking care of my health. Prioritising sleep, maintaining healthy eating habits, and staying well-hydrated were essential to balancing the PHST course with exploring Indonesia.
Q: What public health issues in Indonesia have you become more interested in/aware of as a result of this tour?
Throughout this trip, I became more interested in and aware of HIV as a societal issue. It added layers beyond what was learned in lectures by incorporating societal, legal, and geographical factors. Additionally, the field trip to the Kebaya Foundation was an eye‑opening experience.
Q: What was your favourite field trip? Explain why.
I loved visiting the KEBAYA Foundation. Founded by Mami Vinolia, it was inspiring to see community initiatives like this working to combat the stigma faced by individuals with HIV. Hearing their stories, struggles, and successes was both memorable and helped me understand that there is no single solution to addressing Indonesia’s HIV epidemic.
Q: How do you think the Public Health Study Tour will influence your future career or studies?
The main takeaway for me was diversifying my interests in healthcare, as I had previously focused primarily on neuroscience and anatomy. It also gave me new perspectives on various health issues and the multitude of factors that influence them.
Q: What did you most enjoy about the seminar series?
The seminars were a great introduction to Indonesia’s healthcare system. They were informative, succinct, and provided a gateway to fostering interest in areas I hadn’t considered before.
Q: What was your favourite aspect about visiting Indonesia?
Being able to learn about a new healthcare system whilst travelling and exploring a new country has been an amazing experience. Doing all this whilst making new friends has made the trip truly memorable for me.
