The JPP 2009 was a great success.

33 high performing journalism students were chosen from 59 applicants to take part in the JPP 2009 held in Jakarta in January / February 2009.

The participants were:

• From 12 universities
• 48% postgraduates
• 61% female
• 5 with scholarships from the Asia New Zealand Foundation http://www.asianz.org.nz/ and the Pacific Media Centre (AUT University) www.pmc.aut.ac.nz
• Students also had scholarships from RMIT (6 students), Monash (5), University of Sydney (1), and University of Western Sydney (1).

Upon arrival in Jakarta participants studied Indonesian language and culture for 2 weeks at Atma Jaya Catholic University http://www.atmajaya.ac.id/.

This was followed by a 4-week English language internship at one of a broad spectrum of the Indonesian media industry (broadcasting, print, on-line) and also encompassed media and communications departments in foreign diplomatic missions and non-governmental organisations. Placements included the Jakarta Post, Reuters, the ABC, Agence France Presse, Tempo, Metro TV, the Jakarta Globe, Radio 68H, Greenpeace, and the Australian Embassy.

Students had great latitude to expand their professional knowledge of a vibrant foreign media industry. The excellent portfolio of work produced over the course of the four-week internship period was more than matched by the high degree of professional and personal development for all participants.

JPP 2009 was once again officially opened by the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Mr Bill Farmer. At the opening ceremony he said:

“I congratulate ACICIS on providing this opportunity to young visitors to Indonesia and also basically for having the vision to see that this is really a very important foundation stone in the sort of relationship we are building between our two countries. That is, a relationship I think that is increasingly one of understanding. That’s where the ACICIS students really come into this, coming to understand Indonesia yourselves, but then conveying that understanding to an Australian audience.”

ACICIS would like to thank the Australia-Indonesia Institute, the Myer Foundation, and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for their support of the JPP 2009. The overall level of support of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta for the program was also highly appreciated by ACICIS staff and JPP participants.

Read some student stories.

Student comments

• Hard work, challenging, but without doubt the best trip I've ever been on.
• Everything happens more slowly in Indonesia - be patient, but also be ready for the opportunity of a lifetime.
• Excellent opportunity to meet other bright young things, form friendships and gain industry experience in an exciting developing country.
• A fantastic opportunity to make contacts and see how the media works in another country.
• Writing the news in a south-east Asian country is an experience few western journalists have the opportunity to enjoy and once you've done so in such an accident prone, culturally sensitive and often lawless place as Jakarta, going back to western news can be a bit of a bore.
• The JPP programme will challenge you in ways you didn't know you could be challenged.
• The trip was inspiring both from the lives of the Indonesians I met, but also in the experiences of my fellow participants and what they have achieved and believe in. Everyone in the group helped me grow or learn something about myself.
• One of the best experiences of my life on all accounts; personal, professional and cultural. Incredibly well prepared and researched - it's a must do for people seeking an international career in journalism.
• Completely and undeniably the best time of my life.
• The greatest experience I've ever had!
• My time in Jakarta was challenging but exciting, and I loved almost every minute.
• It's a once in a life time opportunity that you will benefit from for the rest of your life.
• I had a fantastic trip. Some things were tough and took a bit of getting used to, like getting stared at all the time because you’re white. Deal with it, and be more conscious of how you treat others when you get home. The work placement was awesome, really rewarding, but so is hanging out with everyone and making the most of Jakarta.
• If you are coming for the sole purpose of getting by-lines, this is not the trip for you. Stay at home and work in a safe, dull, city newsroom. If you want the experience of living and working in a crazy, dirty, super-fun city, then go. I had a fantastic time.
• Fantastic! I've loved every moment on the JPP and I can't wait to return to Jakarta.
• An amazing career jump that has reinforced my willingness to go at lengths to become a journalist. Promotes cross-cultural understanding and is incredibly well planned out.
• Excellent. One the greatest experiences I've had. Would love to go back there and live. Also great for confidence building in many aspects.
• Fantastic experience. Opened my eyes to Indonesia and I'm sure in my future professional career I will either work in or report more from Indonesia.
• The trip washed away all the stereotypes.
• I got offered a job. It also changed my view of the country, and I'm now seriously considering it as somewhere to move to permanently.
• It's obvious that having this experience is a head start in a career of journalism.
• Extremely useful; this not only gave me life experience, it gave me journalism experience in a foreign environment. It will be a big asset to my CV and will increase the knowledge I can bring to a newsroom at home.
• It makes you stand out from the crowd of journalist graduates.
• Possibly the most important stepping stone of my career up to now.