Journalism and Development Studies Students Undertake Internships in Indonesia

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty today congratulated a group of students from Australian and New Zealand universities participating in separate Journalism Professional Practicum and Development Studies Professional Practicum programs in Jakarta over the next six weeks.

“As neighbours and partners, it is important for Australia and Indonesia to know each other well,” Ambassador Moriarty said during the official opening of the program at Atma Jaya University.

“Programs like these help to increase the people-to-people links in the region, enhance understanding of contemporary issues in Indonesia, and provide an opportunity to strengthen professional linkages across the media and development sectors,” Moriarty said.

Thirty-six students from Australian and New Zealand universities are undertaking the program organised by the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS). The program incorporates a two-week language and seminar program at Atma Jaya Catholic University followed by a four-week industry placement, and includes students from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

Both programs were designed to open up in-country study options in Indonesia to non-Indonesian/Asian studies students. The journalism program is now into its 5th year, while the development studies practicum ran a successful pilot program last year.

Students will be placed with a range of local and international media and development organisations including Tempo Weekly magazine, Metro TV, Radio Republik Indonesia, The Jakarta Globe, The Jakarta Post, Globe Asia Business Monthly Magazine, Agence France-Presse, ThomsonReuters, CARE Indonesia, World Wildlife Fund, Wahid Institute, Centre for International Forestry (CIFOR), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW).

Media Enquiries:
Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175