In order to produce a generation of competent and internationally-minded nursing leaders, the University of Indonesia (UI) Master of Nursing Program conducted a benchmarking activity in Thailand on 27 October 2024. A total of 21 students of the Nursing Leadership and Management specialisation class of 2023, an alumnus, and two supervisors, Dr Hanny Handiyani, S.Kp., M.Kep., and Ns. Rona Cahyantari Merduaty, S.Kep., M.AdvN, participated in the programme. They visited two renowned institutions, Mahidol University and Siriraj Hospital, which are known as centres of excellence for nursing education and services in Asia. 

The programme aimed to provide students with greater insight into best practices in nursing leadership and management applied at the international level. At Mahidol University, the participants learnt about various models of excellent nursing services that have been proven to be effective and efficient. On the other hand, the visit to Siriraj Hospital - the largest teaching hospital in Thailand - was a first-hand observation of how modern management systems are implemented to support high-quality nursing services in a large-scale hospital. 

However, this benchmarking activity is not only limited to visits and observations. The students were also challenged to analyse and compare the application of leadership and management practices in Thailand with the conditions in Indonesia. Through this approach, they were able to gain inspiration, understand cultural differences and operational contexts, and design strategic plans that can be implemented to improve the quality of nursing in Indonesia. 

The full support of UI's Faculty of Nursing has been a key driver of the programme's success. The faculty ensured that the programme was designed to be relevant to students' academic needs, especially in relation to thesis development. Students not only enrich their theoretical knowledge, but also gain valuable practical experience in understanding the dynamics of nursing leadership in an international environment. 

One of the highlights of the programme was the knowledge sharing session with experts from Mahidol University. This session provided an opportunity for students to discuss, exchange views, and get direct input from experts in the field of nursing. This interactive discussion helped students formulate innovative solutions that can be adapted to the needs and challenges in Indonesia. 

At the end of the activity, students were expected to be able to identify best practice models in nursing leadership and management implemented at Mahidol University and Siriraj Hospital. In addition, they will be able to compare leadership practices in Thailand with those in Indonesia, analyse the differences in the roles and functions of nursing councils in the two countries, and design action plans that support the development of nursing services based on innovation and adaptation. 

This program provides tremendous benefits, not only for academic development, but also for building the leadership character of the students. The direct experience of learning in another country, discussing with experts, and observing the implementation of best practices gave the participants the confidence to become agents of change in the Indonesian nursing world. 

UI Master of Nursing students are now returning home with new insights and a passion to apply their learning in various aspects of nursing. Armed with this international experience, they are ready to face the challenges in the ever-evolving world of healthcare and contribute significantly to improving the quality of nursing services in Indonesia. Benchmarking in Thailand is clear evidence that cross-border learning is the key to building resilient, innovative and visionary future nursing leaders.