In May 2024, ACICIS had the pleasure of hosting 10 Nursing and Midwifery students from the University of Canberra for the inaugural International Maternal and Child Health in Indonesia Study Tour (IMCHIST) program. This two-week program, held in Yogyakarta, was organised in collaboration with Bethesda Yakkum School of Health Sciences and AKBIDYO School of Health Sciences.
The program began with an orientation session conducted by ACICIS, followed by an introductory seminar on the Indonesian healthcare system led by an academic expert from Gadjah Mada University on the students’ first day. These sessions provided essential background knowledge and prepared the students for the practical and academic experiences ahead.
During the first week, students were welcomed at AKBIDYO, where they received further insights into the Indonesian healthcare system. The initial activities included visits to local healthcare facilities, such as posyandu (integrated healthcare service posts) and puskesmas (public health centres), where they observed and learned about local practices in maternal and child health. Students also participated in hands-on workshops, such as making jamu (traditional herbal medicine), which provided a closer look at cultural health practices.
In addition to healthcare facility visits, the students also had the opportunity to visit Rifka Annisa Women’s Crisis Center. This visit was particularly enlightening as it highlighted the issues surrounding domestic violence in Indonesia.
During this initial week, student buddies from AKBIDYO University played a crucial role in enhancing the students experience. They provided local insights and supported the students in navigating the nuances of Indonesian health and maternal care practices. The involvement of these student buddies was instrumental in bridging cultural gaps and facilitating a more immersive learning experience.
The second week of the program was hosted by STIKES Bethesda Yakkum, where students participated in a series of seminars, case studies, and field visits focused on Indonesia’s healthcare system. Students also attended Indonesian language classes at Sanata Dharma University to enhance their overall experience and interactions with the local community.
This week’s highlight was the visit to Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta and Bethesda Hospital Wonosari, which provided a comparative perspective on diverse levels of healthcare services and patient care available. The students also visited a Posyandu (integrated healthcare service posts) in Ngunut, Gunung Kidul Regency, where they observed monthly health check-ups for children and witnessed firsthand the importance of community-based healthcare services. In addition to these activities, the group also travelled to Margoluwig for a community development visit, where they engaged with elderlies and discussed elderly care and health management and the importance of community support in maintaining health for the elders.
The students continued the trip to Bali, where they visited Bumi Sehat, a childbirth centre renowned for its natural birth services. They learned about integrating allopathic and holistic treatments and participated in prenatal yoga. The trip ended with a final assessment and presentation, and then they enjoyed some free time exploring the beautiful Sanur area.
Overall, the two-week IMCHIST program in Indonesia successfully blended academic learning, hands-on experiences, and immersion, leaving the students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of maternal and child health practices in Indonesia.
ACICIS extends its sincere appreciation for the opportunity to work with the University of Canberra to achieve success in the IMCHIST program. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate on upcoming programs.