Security Update: Novel Coronavirus: 3 February 2020
The Novel Coronavirus outbreak, centred in mainland China, but with confirmed cases of the illness in several other countries (including Australia) is likely to be of significant concern to all universities and providers operating within the student mobility sector. ACICIS is no exception.
While, at the time of writing, there have been zero confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Indonesia (source: Johns Hopkins University’s Centre for Systems Science and Engineering) and the Australian Government’s travel advice for Indonesia has not changed in response to Coronavirus outbreak, ACICIS will continue to closely monitor the situation in our program locations and Indonesia overall.
ACICIS study options currently underway across all our program locations will continue as normal and without any significant adjustments for the time being. If, however, the Coronavirus outbreak were to become of increased concern in Indonesia, ACICIS would, of course, re-assess the situation in light of these new circumstances and respond accordingly.
There are currently 237 ACICIS participants in Indonesia, taking part in short term and semester long study options in Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Bali and Salatiga. The last of the consortium’s January-February 2020 summer short term programs are scheduled to conclude on 15 February, after which there will be 40 participants remaining in Indonesia on the consortium’s January-June semester programs.
The ACICIS Resident Director will be contacting students today to update them on the Coronavirus outbreak as it pertains to Indonesia, Australia and the world more broadly.
Of immediate concern to ACICIS is the Australia Government’s recent decision to implement significant travel restrictions on those who have recently visited China. In some cases, ACICIS participants (particularly Chinese nationals) may need to make alterations to post-program travel plans in order to be permitted to enter Australia prior to the commencement of the next Australian university semester. ACICIS will lend appropriate pastoral support to students who may be affected by these restrictions, understanding that they may be a cause of significant stress.
ACICIS participants with any concerns relating to the Coronavirus outbreak, or health and safety in Indonesia in general are welcome to contact ACICIS staff to discuss any concerns that they have. Likewise, ACICIS member university staff, family and other close associates of program participants are welcome to discuss any concerns with the ACICIS Secretariat (acicis@acicis.edu.au/phone +61 8 6488 6675).
Liam Prince
ACICIS Consortium Director
Security Advice Clarification: Lion Air Services: 18 April 2019
ACICIS has recently received queries regarding whether the security advice issued on 29 October 2018, instructing all ACICIS participants to avoid using Lion Air for domestic or international travel until further notice, still stands.
This initial advice was issued in light of the fatal crash of Lion Air Flight JT610, killing all on board, and the Australian government’s subsequent prohibition on its officials or contactors flying on Lion Air or its subsidiary airlines until the findings of the crash investigation became clear.
At present, the Australian government’s advice instructing its officials or contactors not to fly on Lion Air or its subsidiary airlines that operate outside of Australia is still in place. Current and prospective ACICIS students are, therefore, still instructed not to fly on Lion Air or its subsidiary airlines (with the exception of services operating to and from Australia) until further notice. ACICIS does not utilise Lion Air services as part of any official program activities.
Students requiring further clarification on this advice are welcome to contact the ACICIS Resident Director. Likewise, staff at the ACICIS Secretariat in Perth are available to field any questions prospective students, family, friends and member university staff might have. Queries may be directed to the ACICIS Secretariat on 08 6488 6675 or at acicis@acicis.edu.au.
Liam Prince
ACICIS Consortium Director