ACICIS BPP: Wrap-Up (January-February 2024)

ACICIS successfully hosted the 2024 Business Professional Practicum (BPP) with eleven students participating from January to February. This year marked a return to in-country activities after two years, with students representing several Australian universities: The University of Western Australia (UWA), RMIT University, Murdoch University, Curtin University, The University of Sydney, and many more. Each student completed the BPP and received a $4,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant.

• Academic Program Highlights

The program commenced with a two-week academic schedule featuring business and economics seminars, corporate visits, and intensive language courses. Seminars covered Indonesia’s economic environment, the digital and creative economy, and the impact of the IA-CEPA on Indonesian industries. Speakers included startup directors, government officials, and business practitioners, providing valuable insights.

• Field Trips

Participants visited two business sites in Tangerang and Jakarta, including the headquarters of Indonesia’s largest e-ticketing company and a renowned cosmetics manufacturer. These visits provided firsthand knowledge of the Indonesian beauty industry and the digital economy.

• Internship Phase

The final four weeks were dedicated to internships at host organisations in Jakarta. ACICIS partnered with four host organisations, including consulting firms, accounting firms, and Australian government offices. Students were mentored by experienced professionals and overseen by ACICIS staff.

• Congratulations to Participants

ACICIS congratulates all eleven students for their outstanding performance in the 2024 Business Professional Practicum. The program aimed to transform participants, and we hope they return to Australia with new perspectives and skills. We wish them success in their future endeavours.

• Academic Week Schedule Overview
  • Week 1 – Week 2 (Academic Week): Registration, Opening Ceremony, Orientation, General Seminars, and Tutorials, Language Classes, Seminars on Economy, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Digital Business in Indonesia.
  • Week 2 – Week 6 (Placement Week): Placement at host organisations, with mandatory weekly catch-ups and reflective journal submissions.
  • Final Week – Report submission on a specific or approved business topic, due by February 11, 2024.

The program concluded with a closing ceremony and program evaluation on February 7, 2024.

ACICIS is proud of the achievements of all participants and looks forward to hosting future cohorts for transformative experiences in Indonesia.

Testimony from one of the BPP participants, Amnah Alfares

My name is Amnah Alfares, and I have had the privilege of participating in the Business Professional Practicum Program. The past six weeks have flown by, filled with a wealth of knowledge and personal growth as I navigated through a new country independently. At the start of the program, we had Bahasa Indonesia classes in the early morning, which soon became a cherished part of my daily routine. Despite the initial stress of the language exam, I am proud to say that I passed along with my fellow participants.

Following the language classes, we delved into seminars covering a wide range of business topics. While some were outside my area of study, I embraced the opportunity to expand my understanding of various concepts in the business world. Two field trips to Orang tua and Bli Bli offered valuable insights into different business strategies employed in Indonesia. It was evident to me that the comparison between Indonesia and Australia is not straightforward, as each country presents unique challenges and opportunities.

Throughout the program, I made a conscious effort to engage with the local community by communicating in Bahasa Indonesia and seeking to understand the perspectives of those around me. I believe that building these connections is essential for personal growth and cultural understanding.

For the remainder of the program, I was assigned to the Institute for Sustainability and Agility (ISA). This experience proved to be incredibly rewarding, as I learned about the importance of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in business success. Working remotely allowed me to hone my time management skills and contribute meaningfully to ISA’s projects and assignments.

During weekends, I took the opportunity to explore Bogor, Bandung, and Bali, fueling my desire to discover more of Indonesia’s rich cultural and natural treasures. This experience has sparked a deep appreciation for the country and its people.