Public health is a critical aspect of development for every nation. The current health challenges are not confined to one country or region—these challenges are global. They range from infectious diseases and maternal health to nutrition and mental health. These issues require collective action, cross-cultural understanding, and innovative solutions.
Indonesia, as a country with more than 17,000 islands and a population of over 270 million people, presents unique challenges and opportunities in public health. This situation makes it an attractive destination for international students to study public health in Indonesia. A total of 42 international students from 10 universities in Australia, with diverse academic backgrounds, have a strong interest in studying public health issues in Indonesia.
Based on this, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) of the Universitas Indonesia (UI), in collaboration with the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), organized the Public Health Study Tour 2025. This event took place from January 13 to 25, 2025.
The Public Health Study Tour 2025 is a program designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of public health challenges and developments in Indonesia. In addition to receiving theoretical material from public health experts at FPH UI, participants also had the opportunity to engage in field activities that offer practical insights into the implementation of health policies and programs in Indonesia.
One of the main activities was a field visit to various health facilities and environmental management practices that serve as best examples in the field of public health. These included visits to TPS 3R (Waste Management Facility for Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) that introduced participants to environmentally friendly waste management practices, and RS UI (University of Indonesia Hospital), which provided an overview of healthcare services in Indonesia. Additionally, participants were invited to learn more about Indonesian culture through a visit to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. There, they could gain a closer understanding of Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage, which is essential in understanding the social and cultural context of public health policies.
Through this program, FPH UI and ACICIS aim to build a bridge of understanding between Indonesia and Australia in the field of public health. This activity is also expected to strengthen international collaboration in addressing various global health challenges.
The Dean of FPH UI, Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., warmly welcomed the participants and expressed hope that the event would provide new insights and strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Australia in public health.
“The Public Health Study Tour 2025 is a platform for international students to learn directly from experts in Indonesia, as well as to provide them with valuable experiences in addressing global health issues with a rich local perspective full of cultural values and traditions. It is hoped that this activity can strengthen international collaboration in health and have a positive impact on the development of health policies in both countries,” said Prof. Mondastri.
“During this study tour, participants will see firsthand how health policies and community programs in Indonesia are designed to meet the needs of various regions and populations. FPH UI hopes that this experience will enrich the participants’ knowledge and inspire new ideas that they can take back to their home countries. In addition to the academic and professional aspects, we also encourage participants to experience the local culture, traditions, and the hospitality that Indonesia offers. We believe that cross-cultural exchange is essential to building an empathetic world, especially in the field of public health,” Prof. Mondastri added.
Through the Public Health Study Tour 2025, it is hoped that participants will not only gain new insights into the public health challenges and solutions in Indonesia but also strengthen cross-cultural connections that support global collaboration. This experience is a concrete step in building shared understanding and inspiring closer international cooperation to address pressing health issues in the future.
FPH UI and ACICIS believe that programs like this will be a key foundation in creating a resilient, innovative, and solution-oriented generation of public health professionals. (wrk)