From November 12-15, 2024, a delegation from the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at Universitas Indonesia (UI), consisting of the Dean, Prof. dr. Mondastri K. Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., the Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, Dr. Ir. Asih Setiarini, M.Sc., and the Manager of Cooperation, Alumni Relations, and Ventures, Prof. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, S.K.M., M.K.K.K., Ph.D., conducted a collaboration visit to Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ) in Dili, Timor Leste. The visit aimed to explore potential collaborations in the field of public health with the Faculty of Public Health and Medical Sciences at UNPAZ.
During the visit, the FPH UI delegation also participated in an international seminar titled “Interdisciplinary Perspective on Health Research.” This seminar featured speakers from various institutions, including Prof. Indri Hapsari from FPH UI, the Ministry of Health of Timor Leste (MOH), WHO, and UNPAZ. Prof. Indri presented on the topic “Health Promotion to Improve Work Capacity and Prevent Occupational Disease: Lessons Learned from Indonesia.” The seminar was attended by UNPAZ Rector, Dr. Aldomand S. Amarai, Lic.Eco., M.M.; Dean of the Faculty of Public Health and Medical Sciences at UNPAZ, Dr. Cipriano; as well as faculty members and students.
Additionally, Dr. Asih Setiarini had the opportunity to introduce the graduate programs at FPH UI and the application procedures to prospective doctoral students from UNPAZ, MOH Timor Leste, and Universidade Nacional Timor Leste (UNTL). “The graduate programs at the Faculty of Public Health at Universitas Indonesia (FPH UI) are designed to produce highly competent and globally competitive graduates in the field of public health. These programs offer Master’s (S2) and Doctoral (S3) degrees with various specializations. With research-based study and a multidisciplinary approach, FPH UI’s graduate programs equip students with in-depth analytical skills, policy development, and innovative solutions to public health challenges,” explained Dr. Asih.
Another key agenda was the attendance of the FPH UI delegation at the faculty graduation ceremony at UNPAZ, which included a scientific oration by Dean Prof. Mondastri. In her oration, Prof. Mondastri emphasized the importance of becoming a graduate who is creative, innovative, multitasking, and responsive to change. “Being a graduate who is creative, innovative, multitasking, and responsive to change is crucial in the modern era, which is full of challenges and dynamics. Creativity allows individuals to find unique solutions to complex problems, while innovation helps create relevant and useful new ideas. Multitasking skills are an advantage in efficiently handling various responsibilities, and responsiveness to change ensures that graduates remain adaptive amidst technological advancements, market needs, and global challenges. The combination of these four skills not only enhances competitiveness but also prepares individuals to become visionary leaders and significant contributors in professional and societal environments,” said Prof. Mondastri.
The main agenda of the visit to UNPAZ was the discussion of potential cooperation, marked by the signing of the Agreement of Implementation (AOI) between FPH UI and UNPAZ. This signing ceremony was attended by the Dean and faculty members of the Faculty of Public Health and Medical Sciences at UNPAZ. As a follow-up to the AOI, it was agreed that 11 faculty members from the Faculty of Public Health and Medical Sciences at UNPAZ would pursue doctoral education at FPH UI in the 2025 academic year. Additionally, a short-term mobility program for the Nutrition Program at UNPAZ will invite undergraduate students from the Nutrition Program at FPH UI as participants.
This visit resulted in a strategic agreement to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions through education, research, and capacity development. It is hoped that this collaboration will make a tangible contribution to improving the quality of education and public health in both countries.
This activity marks an important step in expanding FPH UI’s international network and realizing the shared commitment to improving public health on a global scale. (wrk)