Indonesian exchange students putting skills to practice

20 September 2022

Six Indonesian animal science students from the Gadjah Mada University are putting their newly learned skills to practical use, as they learn about biosecurity procedures and the NT cattle Industry.

Students in the Indonesia-Northern Territory Biosecurity Program (INTBP) have now completed the first of three weeks of industry placement at Victoria River Downs Station and Newcastle Waters Station, where they can apply the skills they have learned both in the Territory through the program, and to a large commercial cattle operation setting.

The course aims to teach the students rich practical and technical learning experiences through immersion in biosecurity related operations of government and industry.

The INTBP, jointly funded by Northern Hub and the Territory Labor government, aims to strengthen biosecurity networks through a 360 degrees skills exchange and knowledge sharing, in response to the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease.

Students have also completed a first aid course with St John Ambulance and workplace health and safety at Charles Darwin University, and have been taught about how to identify emergency animal diseases and animal health preparedness as part of their studies into biosecurity protocols.

The INTBP began in late August and runs for 10 weeks.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries, Paul Kirby:

“It was great to meet and speak to the Indonesian students before they set out on what is an exciting opportunity to experience life on a Territory cattle station and learn about how to protect livestock from serious biosecurity threats.

“The students and the Indonesia-Northern Territory Biosecurity Program represent an important partnership to share knowledge between the Territory Labor Government and the Gadjah Mada University.

“We continue to monitor the foot-and-mouth and lumpy skin disease developments in Asia and know the importance of this partnership in sharing knowledge and skills, for the students to take back home.”

Quotes attributable to Charles Darwin University (CDU) Vice-Chancellor Katherine and Big Rivers Region Alison Haines:

“CDU is excited to have been involved in this program and to host the students on campus in Katherine. Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours and the program helps foster understanding of Australian systems and processes when it comes to the livestock production systems and supply chains, biosecurity and animal welfare.

“During their time on campus, the students and their mentor worked with CDU trainers to learn about pastoral industry work requirements and health and safety, the care, handling and transport of livestock in Australian extensive beef cattle production systems. This is a beneficial collaboration for the students and the trainers, as the trainers are also gaining a deeper understanding of the students home country and it’s agriculture industries.”

Quotes attributable to Northern Hub Chief Executive Officer, Jed Matz:

“As a critical response, relevant to industry and a neighbouring region of valued significance, the Program is building capability and capacity and enhancing engagement with Indonesia which will benefit all of northern Australia.

“Stimulating collaboration in the agricultural innovation system and translating learnings into the real world is a crucial objective for us.”

Northern Territory Government