Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Insights from the Australia Leadership Program with Nusantara Scholars

On 20-28 April, the ten recipients of the Australia Awards Indonesia Nusantara Scholarships visited Melbourne for the Australia Leadership Program 2024 held by Monash University Indonesia. With the theme of “Echoes of Tomorrow: Leading with Impact for a Sustainable Society,” all Nusantara scholars explored the intersections of business, sustainable development, public health, and digital technology as they developed the skills, knowledge, and leadership needed to transform a rapidly changing world.

The program provided the opportunity for scholars to visit and experience learning at Monash University campuses in Melbourne, gain the most updated knowledge and insights on leveraging technologies to promote sustainability in multiple disciplines, be leaders of change, visit companies/organisations, and network with leaders in relevant industries. They also had the chance to improve their leadership skills through workshops and projects and go on cultural excursions to experience Melbourne's culture, arts, and nature.

Metta Kariyani Dewi, an Australia Awards Indonesia Nusantara Scholar, reflected on her experience: “Being part of Monash University's Australia Leadership Program has been an incredible journey for me. Engaging workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, and hands-on experiences have equipped me with invaluable leadership skills and a deeper understanding of effective leadership in our complex world. With practical tools and a supportive network, I'm eager to make a positive impact and collaborate with fellow emerging leaders to drive meaningful change in our respective fields.”

These aspiring leaders have earned the prestigious Australia Awards Indonesia Nusantara Scholarships, which offer full-time Masters study at Monash University, Indonesia. The scholarships were jointly announced by the President of Indonesia and the Prime Minister of Australia at the Australia-Indonesia Annual Leader’s Meeting in July 2023. We hope this Australia Leadership Program experience will further nurture and fortify their capabilities as change agents and contribute to the development of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara, using the knowledge, skills, and networks gained through their study.