Embracing the Unknown: My ACICIS Public Health Study Tour in Indonesia

Have you ever been faced with an opportunity that scared you yet excited you at the same time? That’s precisely what happened to me when I embarked on ACICIS’ two-week Public Health Study Tour (PHST) in Indonesia (Jakarta and Yogyakarta). Whilst the whole trip was amazing, some parts stuck out more than others.

Learning Material

The most significant aspect of the tour was exploring and interacting with Indonesia’s public health system. My public health degree and my personal interest helped me familiarise myself with Indonesia’s current public health challenges, policies, and initiatives. During site visits and workshops, I witnessed the workings of healthcare facilities, interacted with dedicated professionals, and engaged in thought-provoking discussions about the intricacies of public health in Indonesia.

Bogor Waste Management Facility

For our first field visit, we travelled to a waste management plan in a small village called Bogor in the West Java province of Indonesia. On the field trip, we learned that Bogor was the first city in Indonesia to implement the Plastic Smart Cities program and promoted the idea of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. It was so fascinating learning about the recycling process in Indonesia, and I found it impressive that they manage to recycle their rubbish so efficiently despite their lack of resources and funding. The ladies in the image to the left live in Bogor and wanted to take a photo with Emily and I

Setu Babakan

One of our cultural field trips was to Setu Babakan, a cultural village that taught us about the Betawi culture. We learned how to cook a traditional dish consisting of egg, shredded coconut, and rice, among other things, and we also made a doll called an Ondel-Ondel, which is an icon of Jakarta often performed at festivals and in villages to provide protection and ward off evil spirits.

Language and Culture

Another significant aspect of the program was language and culture. Throughout the program, we had to participate in a three-day Bahasa Indonesia language course at Universitas Indonesia (UI). This course was not just about learning a language but bridging cultural divides. It gave me the tools to communicate effectively with locals, peers, and professionals. These skills allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations, introduce myself to lecturers in Indonesia, and connect with our UI buddies and locals on a more personal level. The ability to communicate in Bahasa Indonesia fostered my learning and genuine connections with the people I encountered. Immersing myself in the Indonesian culture was another highlight of the trip. Active participation in local events, traditional workshops and conversations with locals allowed me to gain a firsthand appreciation for Indonesia. These experiences deepened my cultural understanding and provided unique perspectives that can only be acquired through direct engagement with customs and traditions.

This Global Shorts Program in Indonesia was an eye-opening, one-in-a-lifetime opportunity that helped me personally and enriched my professional perspective. It taught me not to fear the unknown and to embrace opportunities that scare and excite me. This transformative program equipped me with resilience, adaptability and a profound cross-cultural understanding that will undoubtedly shape my personal and professional life. It’s a testament to the fact that stepping out of your comfort zone is often the key to incredible personal and career growth.

Annika Haller
Faculty of Health
ACICIS Public Health Study Tour in Indonesia
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient