Empowering Futures: Australia Awards Pre-Departure Briefing Prepares Scholars for Their Australian Journey

The Australia Awards in Indonesia (AAI) held its annual Pre-Departure Briefing (PDB) for the 2025 Australia Awards Scholarship recipients on 15 November 2024 at Prama Sanur Beach Hotel, Bali. Delivered in a hybrid format, the event was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), Ministry of State Secretariat (Kemensetneg), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu).

The PDB equipped hundreds of scholars, both on-site and online, including LPDP scholars, with essential information to prepare for their academic journey. Sessions covered vital topics such as study permit extensions and regulations. The event began with opening remarks by Mr Anang Ristanto from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), Ms Noviyanti from the Ministry of State Secretariat (Kemensetneg), and Ms Emily Whelan, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy in Indonesia. Ms Whelan also delivered an insightful presentation on the current state of Australia-Indonesia bilateral relations, setting an engaging tone for the day.

A key highlight was the panel session moderated by Ms Evy Margaretha from Kemendikdasmen. The session featured insights from Ms Noviyanti (Kemensetneg), Mr Hernawan Bagaskoro Abid and Ms Kwee Vania Laurencia Wibowo (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kemenlu), and Mr Kevin Marbun (Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Kemdiktisaintek). These speakers provided valuable perspectives and practical guidance, enriching the scholars’ preparation for their academic experiences in Australia.

The PDB featured enrichment sessions to support scholars in their academic and professional journeys. Ms Olivia Dianina Purba, an Australia Awards alumna, led a personal branding session, sharing insights on building connections, preparing for career re-entry, and staying active during career gaps, drawing from her experiences in Australia and Indonesia.

Scholars also participated in a mental health awareness workshop facilitated by Ms Lia Marpaung, AAI GEDSI Adviser, in collaboration with Bali Bersama Bisa. The session equipped them with tools to manage emotions, identify stress symptoms, and adopt effective coping strategies, fostering resilience for their academic journey.

With scholars attending both in person and online, the event ensured all attendees were well-prepared for their academic journey and the challenges ahead in Australia.