As someone who has rarely had the opportunity to travel to different countries in the past, the 2025 MHS Bio Indo Trip (2nd – 13th July) has been without a doubt a thrilling and unique experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. As someone who has been in Australia for much of their lives, this experience has allowed me to better understand, explore and gain an appreciation for Indonesia’s culture, customs, lifestyle and tradition. I was also able to really step out of my comfort zone, see the world from a new and enlightened perspective and try out new things that I once dreaded.
Despite being an emerging country, Indonesia’s culture and relaxed lifestyle contrasted greatly with the bustling and chaotic lifestyle I had experienced in Australia. Even though I couldn’t speak any Indonesian, one aspect of Indonesian culture and lifestyle that really caught my eye was their level of hospitality at every single location we went, so much so that it felt as if they were treating us like family rather than guests. I admired their ability and willingness to communicate with us in English, which made me feel included and welcomed as if I was a part of their lifestyle. I also really admired their dedication, enthusiasm and passion to not only preserving their culture (through the Bahasa Indonesia and the Bali Cultural Workshop) but also their environment (through the Hatamin Island Coral Conservation Program and Potato Head). In my opinion, one encounter that really stood out to me was when I went out with my friends to purchase some ice-cream on the first night in Bali. Despite paying less than $4 for the ice-cream (something none of us would take for granted!), it was really astonishing to see just how much something as little as $4 meant to street vendors as they poured their heart and soul in making my ice cream. It was fascinating to see how they appreciated everything they got in life without taking anything for granted. This one encounter has taught me a lot about appreciating the smallest things we get in life, and how we do not need everything to feel a sense of fulfillment, gratitude, and happiness.
For me, the highlight of this trip was by far the coral conservation program at Hatamin Island – having gotten salt water down to my throat while snorkeling the previous day, I had very low expectations for this activity! However, I was absolutely astonished by their dedication and willingness to tackle a global problem such as the loss of coral even with the limited number of resources they had. Helping cut ropes on corals and attach new corals on metal racks made me feel a sense of pride as if I were making my own little contribution to a greater cause. It also helped me step out of my comfort zone in the sense that snorkeling was not something I was particularly looking forward to – however, the encouragement from my fellow peers and teachers was enough for me to eagerly take part in this activity. I also quite enjoyed handing out souvenirs to the local primary school – being able to see the smile on their faces not only made my day but also taught me that there are people around the world who would do anything for the things we take for granted. Their discipline, kindness and respect for their elders (which I presume stems from their culture) was also something I really respected.
In short, I have come home with not just new friends, pictures and souvenirs, but a much richer appreciation and understanding of our world around us and the people who live within it. In this day and age where all we want is a good ATAR and job, it is wholesome to see people learning to appreciate the little things they have in life.
Justin Tang
