Indonesian midwifery students gain global perspective through Australian university collaboration

Future healthcare professionals in Indonesia are being equipped with a global outlook to navigate the evolving landscape of health services. Universitas Binawan is fostering this by collaborating with The University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia, offering students international experience through programs like the International Internship and midwifery practice exchanges.

Dr. Megan Cooper, an Associate Professor at UQ, emphasized that midwifery extends beyond clinical skills. "Midwifery is fundamentally about understanding what women need and supporting them throughout their journey," she stated. "Learning from different countries allows us to reflect on our own practice, understand different perspectives, and identify what we can learn from each other."

Cooper shared these insights during a guest lecture at Universitas Binawan, titled "Midwifery in Practice: What Women Really Need – Lessons from Australia and Indonesia." The event facilitated a knowledge exchange between Indonesian and Australian midwifery students and practitioners, highlighting differences in healthcare systems, cultural contexts, and community needs.

Previously, five UQ students participated in an International Internship in Indonesia, gaining practical experience with independent midwives in Jakarta. This exchange provided valuable learning opportunities, enabling students from both nations to compare practices and understand diverse approaches to women's healthcare. Farouk Abdullah Alwyni, Vice Rector of Universitas Binawan, stressed the importance of such international collaborations in preparing students for a globalized world.

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Midwifery is fundamentally about understanding what women need and supporting them throughout their journey. Learning from different countries allows us to reflect on our own practice, understand different perspectives, and identify what we can learn from each other.