A Message from the Consortium Director

ACICIS regards the health and security of our students ‘in-country’ in Indonesia as our first priority.

We provide participants with accurate, up-to-date information on the security situation in Indonesia prior to their departure, and provide regular updates on any changes to this assessment. All participants are required to have appropriate personal and travel insurance to cover personal safety and security contingencies. In addition, all participants must have an active mobile phone for the duration of their time in Indonesia so as to enable ACICIS staff to communicate easily with them in the event of an emergency.

On arrival in Indonesia, participants are thoroughly briefed during a three-day orientation program about matters of personal safety and security. They are informed of a range of routine security arrangements and sound practical advice regarding their health and personal safety whilst studying in Indonesia. It is stressed that they must take personal responsibility for their behaviour and safety while in Indonesia.

With our first cohort of students back in Indonesia since the beginning of the pandemic, we would like to provide you with the following health and security updates: 

 

COVID-19 

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Indonesian Minister of Health has implemented health protocols and guidelines to assist international travellers, including international students coming to Indonesia. Currently, Indonesia’s COVID-19 cases are under control, and Indonesia has high vaccination coverage. 

The Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology has allowed 100% in-person learning in all schools and universities starting the semester of August 2022/2023. These recent developments have been uplifting news for ACICIS. After over two years of delivering virtual programs, we are able to return to in-country program delivery.

ACICIS understands that travelling abroad can be daunting, and we want to reassure all current and future students that their safety remains our top priority while participating in an ‘in-country’ experience. To ensure students have an enjoyable and safe experience, ACICIS:

  • Has a dedicated in-country student support team who are available to assist students throughout their program from the initial application to arriving back in Australia.
  • Provides a 24-hour emergency contact number.  
  • Follows Indonesian government regulations and health protocols and applies these guidelines in all our programs. 
  • Ensures all ACICIS students and staff provide negative rapid antigen test (RAT) results before attending ACICIS group events.
  • Strongly encourages all participants to wear a face mask indoors and where it is difficult to physically distance from others.
  • Advises students to stay home if they are feeling unwell and to test for COVID-19.
  • Encourages students to keep up good hygiene habits like washing and sanitising hands regularly. 
  • Follows our comprehensive COVID-19 action plan if a student contracts the disease. This plan includes assisting the student to navigate accommodation, access to basic necessities, alternative university class/ work arrangements and regular check-ins. 
  • Supports students who are experiencing distress, anxiety, or concerns and can assist them in seeking professional assistance. 
  • Continues to closely monitor developments surrounding COVID-19 in the region and its impact on the ACICIS student community. 

 

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) 

FMD has been detected in livestock in Indonesia. This disease is not harmful to humans but can have a devastating impact on livestock production and international trade.

To help minimise biosecurity risks to Australia, ACICIS will ensure our current in-country cohort are up-to-date on the latest Australian government advice when preparing to return to Australia in December 2022 – January 2023. 

For reliable and up-to-date information, visit this government webpage: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/fmd#:~:text=Foot%2Dand%2Dmouth%20disease%2C%20FMD%2C%20is%20a%20highly,between%20animals%20housed%20closely%20together.