What an incredible experience the Agriculture Professional Practicum Program 2025 has been! A big congratulations to the 13 talented and passionate students from universities across Australia — Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, and Murdoch University — who participated in this year’s program. Notably, 8 of these students were awardees of the New Colombo Plan Grant, which supported their participation in this valuable experience.
During the program, Students explored the agricultural sector in Indonesia, diving into its complexities, innovations, and challenges. The enthusiasm and critical thinking demonstrated by each student have been nothing short of inspiring. Their passion for the agricultural field and their curiosity in understanding global practices have created memorable discussions and learning moments. Throughout the Agriculture Professional Practicum Program 2025, students learned a diverse range of important topics. They gained insights into Indonesia’s history, politics, society, and culture, which provided a solid foundation for understanding the agricultural sector.
Academic Foundations
During the academic weeks, a series of seminars has been conducted covering diverse topics within the agriculture sector from strengthening food security through agribusiness and Indonesia-Australia livestock partnerships, empowering Indonesian farmers with youth entrepreneurship and seed development, and promoting sustainable land use practices for climate resilience, including forest management and organic agriculture. Additionally, students delved into marine biodiversity and fishery development, as well as the role of fresh-cut vegetables in enhancing nutrition and advancing food sovereignty. Each seminar offered valuable perspectives on global agricultural challenges and solutions. They also learned Bahasa Indonesia through an intensive language class at Atma Jaya Catholic University, which helped them engage more deeply with local communities and practices.
Language and Cultural Training
To enhance their learning experience, students took part in two field trips to Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove and Agrowisata Ragunan Jakarta. The visits to the mangrove forest (Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove Angke) and the sustainable teaching farm (Agro Edukasi Wisata Ragunan) provided valuable insights into local agricultural practices. Highlights of the trip included pasteurizing fresh milk to create chocolate milk, planting rice in the fields, enjoying a variety of vegetables and herbs from the garden, and taking a speedboat ride across the mangrove. These fun and meaningful experiences complemented the knowledge gained from seminars and tutorials, deepening our understanding of Indonesian agriculture.
After two weeks of seminars, tutorials, and language classes, 13 students were sent off to their host organizations (HO) for a 4-week internship. This year, students were placed in various companies, NGOs, and research institutes. The host organizations included WRI, YBTS, KRKP, AOI, YAPEKA, Aliet Green, S3, NTFP, and AUSTREX. The internship provided students with invaluable hands-on experience in the Indonesian workforce, allowing them to adapt, learn, and apply new skills in real-world settings. Each student had the opportunity to engage directly with their host organizations, gaining insights into the professional environment and contributing meaningfully to their projects. Overall, all students received highly satisfactory evaluations from their host organizations, highlighting their hard work and dedication. Looking ahead, we hope for continued collaboration with these organizations, fostering sustainable and long-term partnerships for future cohorts.
Looking Ahead To the Future
The Agriculture Professional Practicum Program 2025 has been an unforgettable and enriching experience for all involved. It has provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant agricultural sector of Indonesia, bridging classroom knowledge with real-world applications. The diverse seminars, field trips, language classes, and internships have given students not only practical skills but also a deeper understanding of global agricultural practices and challenges. We are proud of the hard work and dedication each student demonstrated throughout the program, and we are grateful to the host organizations for their support and mentorship.
We look forward to the future of the Agriculture Professional Practicum Program and the new opportunities it will bring for both students and organizations. With the foundation built this year, we are hopeful that the program will continue to grow, evolve, and inspire future cohorts to make meaningful contributions to the agricultural sector. Applications for APP 2026 will close on 1 June!
