VOINews, Jakarta: The Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) has once again launched its international student internship program in partnership with Atma Jaya University. Supported by the New Colombo Plan, the initiative provides opportunities for young people from Australia and the Pacific to deepen their knowledge through professional experience in various government and private institutions in Indonesia.
This year, Voice of Indonesia (VOI), under LPP RRI, has been selected as one of the key partners for the ACICIS internship program. VOI is among approximately five government institutions participating in this initiative.
Helmi Wattimury, the ACICIS program coordinator, stated during an interview with Voice of Indonesia on Monday, January 13, 2025, that 108 students from 14 Australian universities are participating in this year’s program. Although the number of participants has slightly decreased compared to last year, the placement locations now include Bogor and Yogyakarta, in addition to Jakarta.
“This year, we have 108 students from 14 Australian universities placed at 31 host organizations. Most are private or non-profit entities, with about three to five government institutions,” Helmi explained during a meeting between the internship students and their host organizations in Jakarta.
Helmi added that the theme for this year’s program remains "People to People Connection," with a primary focus on the legal sector. Many of the interns have academic backgrounds in law, providing them with direct exposure to this field. Additionally, the number of host organizations participating in the program has increased.
In addition to funding from the New Colombo Plan, some of this year’s participants also received support from the Asia New Zealand Foundation. This additional funding has allowed more students to join the program, further strengthening international collaboration between Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
The ACICIS internship program not only provides practical experience for students but also strengthens inter-nation relations. “We aim to build deeper connections between the people of Australia and Indonesia, and this internship serves as an essential bridge to achieve that goal,” Helmi emphasized.
For 2025, ACICIS has planned additional activities such as a Summer Program, Monash University Tour, and the Professional Practicum scheduled for November. “Next year will be our busiest year with many new programs,” Helmi revealed.
The expansion of internship placements beyond Jakarta underscores ACICIS’s commitment to diversifying the experiences of international students in Indonesia. By including cities like Bogor and Yogyakarta, participants gain opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture and dynamics, enriching their overall learning journey.
Through this program, ACICIS hopes to continue strengthening bilateral relations between Australia and Indonesia while contributing positively to the education and professional development of future generations. (Lip/MSTN/VOI)