As a tangible effort to support Universitas Indonesia (UI)’s vision to be a globally excellent and impactful university, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) UI once again held the 2025 Public Health Study Tour (PHST). The program, running from 7 to 19 July 2025, was organized in collaboration with the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS). PHST brought together 51 students from eight Australian universities—Australian National University, Curtin University, La Trobe University, RMIT University, The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia, University of New South Wales, and Western Sydney University—accompanied by 12 FPH UI students serving as student buddies.
The PHST program is designed as an intensive learning initiative that connects international students with the realities of Indonesia’s public health system. Beyond expanding academic and intercultural understanding, this program further strengthens FPH UI’s reputation as a trusted academic partner in global collaborations. In her opening remarks, the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Mondastri, expressed her pride in the continuity of the program since its inception in 2016, now entering its 16th batch and consistently receiving positive responses from all stakeholders. Prof. Mondastri emphasized that the program is not only about exchanging knowledge but also about building strong professional and intercultural networks.
“I hope that through these activities, students can learn, share, and discuss public health issues and programs, and most importantly, joyfully develop lasting friendships and networks among all participants,” said Prof. Mondastri during the opening ceremony held at RIK UI on 7 July 2025.
Over the course of two weeks, participants attended interactive lectures covering strategic issues such as the national health system, stunting, non-communicable diseases, mental health, disaster management, and climate change and its impact on maternal and child health. The students also went on field visits to institutions such as a 3R Waste Processing Site (TPS 3R) in Bogor, UI Hospital, community health centers (puskesmas), and integrated service posts (posyandu). Additionally, they took part in Bahasa Indonesia language classes at LBI FIB UI and explored Indonesian culture through visits to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII).
This program forms a significant part of FPH UI’s contribution to advancing UI’s mission through adaptive, globally collaborative higher education that delivers real benefits to both local and international communities. This commitment was echoed by Matthew Satchel, ACICIS Student Administration Coordinator, who expressed his appreciation for FPH UI.
“Thank you to FPH UI for hosting this collaboration. The Public Health Study Tour has been ACICIS’ most popular program since 2016. The knowledge and perspectives gained through this program are truly valuable for the future of global health,” said Matthew. He also noted that the partnership between ACICIS and UI is a transformative educational collaboration that should be sustained and expanded.
“We hope this experience not only enhances academic knowledge but also fosters social awareness, empathy, and a spirit of international collaboration,” added Prof. Mondastri.
Through the 2025 PHST, FPH UI reaffirms its commitment to being an institution capable of responding to contemporary global challenges, advancing internationalization, and nurturing globally engaged graduates and partners who can contribute positively to public health.
(wrk)