Why Indonesia?​
A beautiful archipelago with a vibrant culture and thriving economy
Indonesia
Your launchpad to a global career
Imagine interning in a land of captivating contrasts. This archipelago of over 17,000 islands, historically coveted for its strategic position as a global trading hub and its rich natural resources, has witnessed a tumultuous past. Yet, from this history emerges a vibrant and dynamic nation – a perfect setting for your international internship.
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Indonesia pulses with the energy of a dynamic civil society, celebrated for its remarkable creativity and innovation. With an almost unparalleled artistic diversity and a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit fueled by 170 million internet users, Indonesia is a hotbed of innovation. For Australian students, this means extensive opportunities to develop your skills and expand your horizons. This nation of 260 million, one of the 21st century's most compelling economic growth stories, is a place of rapid transformation and undeniable excitement.
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Beyond the bustling cities and dynamic culture, Indonesia boasts an extraordinary variety of natural landscapes. From lush rainforests to volcanic mountains and stunning coral reefs, the archipelago offers a wealth of diverse environments. Despite the challenges inherent in its post-colonial journey, Indonesia is a nation on the move, radiating an infectious buzz of progress. Choose Indonesia for an internship that will enhance your resume and transform your perspective.
Jakarta
The economic, cultural, and political centre of Indonesia
Whichever way you look at it, Jakarta is the perfect place to undertake your internationally-focused internship.
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It is the capital of Indonesia, with the heads of many international government, non-government and corporate offices based there. Every week you will have the opportunity to attend briefings, talks, exhibitions, networking events and social gatherings. There’s even an Aussie Rules football league! While the city is facing the problems that come with rapid growth, such as pollution and the infamous traffic, it also has the energy (and hipster cafes) of a major world city.
20 Million People
ASEAN Headquarters
Most Active Twitter City in the World
World's 12th Largest City
Yogyakarta
Where ancient culture meets modern creativity
Yogyakarta, commonly known as Jogja, is the cultural, university and food capital of Indonesia (although some of the many other regions of Indonesia might disagree). People come from all over the country, and the world, to trek up the windy peaks of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mt. Merapi, which towers over the city. Jogja is both relaxed and bustling; both historical and in the grips of a period of major development. Yogyakarta is the only region of Indonesia to retain a Sultan – a revered figure who is followed almost religiously by his subjects. The region served as the Indonesian capital for a time while the Indonesians were fighting for independence from the Dutch and still retains some autonomy from the national government as recognition of its service during the colonial period.
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Yogyakarta is a hub of NGOs, community groups, artists’ collectives, traditional crafts and amazing coffee. It’s part-hippy, part-hipster, part growing economic hub and is generally just a great place to be!
Over 100 Universities
Only Region That Still Has a Sultan
Most Popular Destination After Bali
#1 Active Volcano in Indonesia
Sumatra
Indonesia's wild heart, rich in biodiversity
Sumatra is Indonesia’s biggest island and often makes the news for all the wrong reasons: forest fires, tsunamis, palm oil – yes, they are all in Sumatra. However, it’s so large and is also home to some of Indonesia’s most incredible natural wonders and cultural diversity (and more food!). In North Sumatra, where our environmental programs run, you can find one of the world’s largest national parks, the Gunung Leuser National Park – the only place on Earth where orangutans, elephants, rhinos and tigers still roam together in the wild. Where there are endangered animals, there is also a great number of NGOs doing amazing things. We work with bona-fide grass-roots NGOs, born out of the villages of North Sumatra. They combat the everyday problems of encroaching palm oil plantations and the conflict between humans and animals dealing with the ever-present reduction of their habitat.
2.6 Million Hectares of Rainforest
Indonesia's Largest Island
7,000 Orangutans
Bali
Breathtaking nature, rich culture and modern vibrancy
Bali is the fragile beauty of the archipelago. From its first colonisers to today it has enchanted travellers from all over the world such that they can’t stay away. A majority Hindu island, it has not been sheltered from the regional and international power plays that have marked Indonesia’s history, coming under the control of Javanese, Hindu and European rule at various times. Its traditions reflect the diverse influences of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism, and more and more of Western culture too. The Bali of today is a melting pot of wellness seekers, holiday makers, ancient traditions, incredible NGOs, innovative businesses, creativity, surfers and simple Balinese everyday life. Its infrastructure and economy has benefited greatly from the huge influx of Western tourists but its environment, and many say culture, has suffered greatly. With poor restrictions on water-usage or garbage disposal, predictions are of a major water shortage by 2020. Many organisations in Bali are actively working to protect it from over-development seeking restore its natural environment, cultural heritage, and traditional ways of life through sustainable tourism, conservation efforts, and community-led initiatives.
Almost 4 Million Tourists Per Year
83% Hindu
30,000 Expatriates
Unprecedented Water Crisis
Real experience.
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