ACICIS Study Indonesia was delighted to welcome the largest cohort of students on our Business Professional Practicum (BPP) in January-February 2017 since the program launched three years ago in 2015. We were honoured to welcome 40 students from the University of Sydney, the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, University of Tasmania, Murdoch University, University of New South Wales, Monash University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, University of Technology Sydney, University of the Sunshine Coast, The University of Melbourne, and The University of Adelaide to Jakarta. The 40 students represented a broad cross-section of half of the consortium’s 26 member universities. 36 students completed the BPP with the assistance of a $3,000 New Colombo Plan mobility grant.

We would like to congratulate all students who participated in the Business Professional practicum this year, an exciting experience for students to gain exposure to the growing business sectors of Indonesia.

The BPP students undertook two weeks of Indonesian language classes at Atma Jaya Catholic University along with a series of business seminars with outstanding speakers chosen specifically to provide the students with an overview of how business and commerce operates in Indonesia. Students had the opportunity to undertake a field trip to visit Google Indonesia and meet with representatives of the search engine giant.

This was followed by four weeks of a professional placement at a wide range of Jakarta’s businesses and commerce organisations, including the Indonesian Stock Exchange, the largest State-owned enterprise – Pertamina, and international business corporations. The placements gave all BPP students the chance to engage in the Indonesian business community and apply business theory and analysis in professional practice.

A few highlights of the practicum include Joseph Gerges from Curtin University and Joel Leu from University of Sydney, who were placed at Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) drafted a speech to be used by the Indonesia President during his visit to Australia. Mikayla Szczcenski and Tamsin Stephenson from Curtin University interned at Adaro Energy and had the opportunity to assist with a CSR-Hydropower project.

Fendi Liem (BPP Program Officer) said “The students have gained a valuable experience working in the field of business and commerce in Indonesia and have all developed great relationships with their Indonesian Counterparts.”

ACICIS hopes all BPP students have enjoyed their experience and have gained insights that will assist them all in achieving their goals and dreams in the future! We hope to see you back in Indonesia soon!