Junette Sim is a recipient from The University of Western Australia. Junette undertook the Public Health Study Tour in July 2024. Junette is studying Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
Q:Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS Public Health Study Tour?
I wanted to experience a short exchange programme that was related to my degree (biomedical science). This program was highly recommended by one of the staff at the School of Biomedical Sciences offices. I have also never been to Indonesia before so I was interested in learning about a place that I have only read about in my textbooks.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about your experience on the PHST?
I think the most challenging part of PHST was the initial few days, getting used to the schedule of attending seminars at Universitas Indonesia (UI) and also trying to converse with minimal Bahasa. Luckily, the tour also included Bahasa lessons during my study at UI. My tutor was so lovely, she taught us many common words and phrases and also recommended places to visit in Jakarta. Another challenge I faced was sorting out my SIM card as I was unable to send messages or call although I could already use my data. The ACICIS staff were so kind and quickly helped me solve my problems.
Q: What public health issues in Indonesia have you become more interested in/aware of as a result of this tour?
I have become more aware of the impact of climate change on maternal and child health as well as HIV in Indonesia. The issue on the impact of climate change on maternal and child health was something that I was unaware of prior to the program. It is alarming how much climate change has an impact on the environment and the public health of people. I was aware that HIV is a major public health issue prior to the program. It was through the program that I was able to learn more about it and why there is difficulty in forming effective solutions.
Q: What was your favourite field trip? Explain why.
My favourite field trip was going to the Kebaya Foundation. Mami Vinolia was so kind to us when we came, and she readily answered any of our questions. She shared her reasons behind starting the Kebaya foundation, and the difficulties faced such as having to turn people away due to lack of space at the shelter. She is so inspiring as someone who started a shelter for warias with HIV.
Q: How do you think the Public Health Study Tour will influence your future career or studies?
I think that the Public Health Study Tour gave me an amazing experience that inspired me to continue studying and exploring public health. I think it was great that I was able to attend seminars by people who are experts in the different public health problems faced. It allowed me to really appreciate the importance of research in order to develop effective strategies to the various issues discussed during the tour.
Q:What did you most enjoy about the seminar series?
Initially, I thought that the seminars were going to be very boring and was dreading it. Luckily, after experiencing them, I walked away having gained new knowledge and insights on Indonesia’s public health issues. The speakers were all very knowledgeable about the issues they were discussing, and answered all our questions to the best of their ability. I will never forget how to introduce myself before asking any questions (Nama saya Junette, saya dari UWA) and appreciate all the efforts put in by the speakers to educate us foreigners on various health issues in Indonesia.
Q: What was your favourite aspect about visiting Indonesia?
There are so many aspects of the trip that I loved. The buddies from UI were so welcoming and fun to be around. They really showed us Indonesia’s hospitality, and were so sweet to all of us. It was so sad to say goodbye to them on the last day (I shed many tears during the video montage they made for us). I also loved experiencing the lava tour at Jogja to Mount Merapi with all my friends that I had made during the tour. Although I did not manage to see any lava, I still enjoyed making memories with my friends.