The Development Studies Professional Practicum (DSPP) 2024 brought together 16 Australian students for an immersive six-week program in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, running from January to February. Designed to bridge theory and practice, the program provided participants with firsthand exposure to Indonesia’s development landscape, equipping them with practical skills and cross-cultural insights.

A Diverse Cohort of Future Development Practitioners

This year’s cohort included students from the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, Monash University, Griffith University, Murdoch University, University of Newcastle, University of New England, and Deakin University. Many were supported by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP), receiving $4,000 mobility grants to facilitate their participation.

Guiding the program was Mr. Antonius Indrianto, DSPP’s Academic Program Officer, who oversaw seminars, field trips, and placements, ensuring a seamless academic and professional experience. He worked closely with Program Assistant Tristan Araisya to provide mentorship and logistical support throughout the program.

Academic and Cultural Immersion: Building Foundations

The first two weeks focused on intensive Indonesian language classes at Atma Jaya Catholic University, alongside 30 hours of development-focused seminars. These sessions provided students with essential language skills and contextual knowledge to engage meaningfully with their placements.

Field Trips: Learning from Real-World Case Studies

To deepen their understanding of urban development, community resilience, and social equity, students visited:

• Pecinan Glodok (Jakarta’s historic Chinatown): Explored the intersection of urbanisation, cultural preservation, and economic development.

• Kampung Akuarium: Witnessed a community-led rebuilding initiative after forced evictions, highlighting participatory development and grassroots activism.

Cultural Engagement: Connecting with Local Traditions

Beyond academics, students participated in:

• Wayang puppet painting and Batik workshops, immersing themselves in Indonesia’s artistic heritage.

• An introduction to the Badui people of Banten, offering insights into indigenous traditions and sustainable living.

Professional Placements: Hands-On Development Experience

Following the academic phase, students embarked on four-week placements with 14 host organisations across Jakarta and Yogyakarta. These placements allowed them to engage directly with NGOs, research institutions, and development agencies, tackling real-world challenges in:

• Gender equality (Komnas Perempuan, PEKKA)

• Environmental sustainability (EcoNusa, Divers Clean Action)

• Public health and youth empowerment (Yayasan Plan International, YGSI)

• Infrastructure and governance (KIAT, Transparency International Indonesia)

Highlights from the Field

• A student with EcoNusa travelled to Maluku to study nutmeg supply chains, examining sustainable agriculture practices.

• At Australia Awards Indonesia, another participant observed the Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador (ILLA) program and joined a pre-departure workshop in Bali for scholarship recipients.

• A Divers Clean Action (DCA) intern explored waste management initiatives in the Thousand Islands and Cilincing, documenting community-led efforts against marine pollution.

• A YGSI placement student visited North Sumatra and Indramayu, documenting stories on youth sexual and reproductive health rights for the Right Here Right Now (RHRN) initiative.

Every Thursday, students gathered with Mr. Anton and Tristan for reflective discussions, sharing challenges, breakthroughs, and cultural adjustments. These sessions fostered peer learning and professional growth, helping students navigate their placements effectively.

Future Development Leaders

On 13 February 2024, the program concluded with a closing ceremony attended by Atma Jaya University representatives, host organisation mentors, and the ACICIS team. Students reflected on their experiences, highlighting how the program reshaped their perspectives on development, community agency, and cross-cultural collaboration.

The DSPP 2024 provided students with invaluable industry exposure, cultural immersion, and professional networks, empowering them to approach global development challenges with nuanced, on-the-ground insights.

Are you passionate about sustainable development, social justice, or community empowerment? DSPP offers a transformative opportunity to learn, engage, and contribute to Indonesia’s dynamic development sector. The next cohort application deadline is on 1 June 2025.