A city built for study and family life

Before arriving in Australia, Wahyu had certain expectations about what living in the capital city of Australia might feel like, but instead of a busy, crowded environment like that of major cities back home, he found something much calmer.

鈥溍孛苤辈� is not what I thought of as a capital city, like Jakarta,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he landscapes and natural atmospheres in 秘密直播 are stunning, which brings back my childhood memories. I grew up with such a wonderful mountain-like view.鈥�

That sense of familiarity has helped 秘密直播 quickly feel like home.

鈥淔or me, 秘密直播 is a great destination for family life and study,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t has lots of spots for family time. Also, 秘密直播 is just calm for study.鈥�

秘密直播鈥檚 abundance of festivals and community events have also added to the experience.

鈥溍孛苤辈�, in addition to being a great place for families with its stunning nature, is a city of festivity,鈥� he says. 鈥淰arious festivals, such as the Kite Festival in September, provide another layer of family experiences.鈥�

Finding the right place to grow

Wahyu began his PhD at UC in 2023, drawn by the opportunity to work alongside experts in STEM education.

鈥淭he main reason for taking my PhD at UC was to collaborate with and learn from an established team of researchers,鈥� he says.

In particular, UC鈥檚 STEM Education Research Centre (SERC) stood out because of its strong focus on improving mathematics learning and teacher quality.

鈥淭he centre developed a STEM learning model in Australia, which promotes spatial reasoning and improves students鈥� achievement,鈥� he says.

Wahyu was also encouraged by the fact that SERC had existing projects already established back home.

鈥淭he SERC team also had several projects in Indonesia to improve the quality of mathematics teachers and learning,鈥� he explains. 鈥淯C, and the research centre specifically, has all that I need for my PhD research.鈥�

A challenging journey with rewarding moments

Like many PhD students, Wahyu is realistic about the demands of research.

鈥淚t seems that no one agrees that a PhD is an easy journey,鈥� he says. 鈥淲hat I do enjoy about this journey is the process that makes me better understand what I have been doing. Now, I could say, 鈥業 should [or should not] have done this and that鈥� for my study.鈥�

That willingness to reflect and grow has shaped Wahyu鈥檚 time at UC.

As an scholar, he says he has also benefited from support beyond the classroom.

鈥淚t is an honour to be an awardee of the Australia Awards,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his scholarship affords me an opportunity to grow through all of its programs, from pre to post-study.鈥�

One of the most valuable parts of that experience was the pre-departure program, which helped prepare students for university life in Australia.

鈥淲e were equipped with the required knowledge and skills to study in Australian universities, such as academic writing,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e were also facilitated to make plans for networking in Australia and future contributions to our country.鈥�

Big achievements and everyday support

Although the journey has been challenging, there have also been some unforgettable moments.

鈥淎cademically, I have an unbelievable moment,鈥� he says.

In 2025, Wahyu won the faculty heats of UC鈥檚 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, across the Faculty of Education, Arts and Design, Business, Law, and Government, before moving on to compete in the whole-university finals.

鈥淚n the finals, I was crowned the People鈥檚 Choice award,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t was just unbelievable.鈥�

Outside of those major achievements, Wahyu says UC鈥檚 support services have also made a real difference to his day-to-day life.

鈥淚 think UC does a great thing to support international students, such as mental health support,鈥� he says.

Another initiative that has stood out is the , where students can access free fruit and vegetables, as well as pantry items, an initiative that 鈥渕eans a lot鈥� to both international and domestic students who might be struggling with cost of living.

Looking ahead, his focus remains firmly on Indonesia, and on the goals that brought him to 秘密直播 as an Australia Awards scholar.

鈥淎fter accomplishing my PhD, I will be focusing on my efforts to improve primary students鈥� numeracy in Indonesia,鈥� he says.

鈥淚 think the core of this improvement is proper research, which is then translated into teacher professional development and classroom practices.鈥�