Depok, July 1, 2025 – The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) celebrated its 60th Anniversary with great enthusiasm and pride. Carrying the theme “Noble in Character, Excellent in Performance,” this celebration served not only as a moment of reflection on six decades of institutional journey, but also as a projection of FPH UI’s future as a pioneer in education, research, and community service in the field of public health in Indonesia. The event was attended by members of the academic community at FPH UI in the Balai Sidang and was also broadcast live on the FPH UI YouTube channel.
The main event was part of a series of celebrations held over the previous month. A variety of competitions enlivened the festivities, ranging from futsal, badminton, table tennis, SKJ aerobics, healthy cooking contests, karaoke, fishing, to pantun video competitions, highlighting the spirit of togetherness and creativity among the academic community and extended FPH family. Additionally, FPH UI presented special awards to dedicated lecturers, students, and education personnel as a tribute to their significant roles in advancing the faculty.
Beyond a gathering, the anniversary celebration also served as a space for reflection on FPH UI’s long-standing contribution to public health science and practice in Indonesia. This was emphasized by the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., in her remarks.
Prof. Mondastri stated that FPH UI’s six-decade journey has yielded meaningful contributions to the nation and society.
“FPH UI has successfully maintained its reputation as the leading public health education institution in Indonesia. However, remaining excellent in the future is not an easy task,” she said.
She added that integrity is the cornerstone for maintaining the existence, reputation, and branding of FPH UI, both now and in the future. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific thinking frameworks, adopting the latest technology, and enhancing institutional partnerships as key strategies to deliver impactful education.
FPH UI’s commitment to moving forward aligns with Universitas Indonesia’s broader vision of becoming an outstanding and impactful educational institution. During the same event, the Rector of UI, Prof. Dr. Heri Irmansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, also attended and expressed his appreciation for FPH UI’s strategic role in national health development.
“Alhamdulillah, we are grateful for FPH UI’s 60-year milestone, as it has become a crucial pillar in Indonesia’s public health,” he said.
Prof. Heri also highlighted the importance of the UI Endowment Fund program as a driver for institutional sustainability. On this occasion, he encouraged the participation of FPH and all other UI faculties to develop their respective Faculty Endowment Funds, which will be consolidated into the UI Endowment Fund.
“With the improvement of UI’s global ranking and growing public trust, we hope to create welfare for educators, students, and the broader community through inclusive service and scholarship programs,” Prof. Heri concluded.
The anniversary’s peak event featured a talk show titled “Predicting Future Pandemic Threats in Indonesia and the Preparedness of Public Health Surveillance to Anticipate Them.” The session was moderated by Wahyu Kurnia Yusrin Putra, S.K.M., M.K.M., and featured two public health experts, Dr. Pandu Riono, Ph.D., and Dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Indonesian Health Council.
Dr. Pandu Riono reflected on key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic response.
He emphasized the importance of a resilient health system and integrity-driven leadership.
“Failure to respond to future pandemics would indicate systemic gaps we continue to overlook,” he asserted.
He also highlighted that preparedness for health crises requires not only intellectual intelligence but also emotional maturity and strong cross-sectoral collaboration.
Meanwhile, Dr. Agustin Kusumayati underscored the importance of strengthening public health workforce competencies as the foundation for delivering effective public health services.
She explained that public health competencies consist of six core domains: community centeredness, decision making, communication, collaboration, evidence-informed practice, and personal conduct.
These domains form the basis for implementing the 12 Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) effectively.
“These competencies are essential for anyone working in the public health sector,” said Dr. Agustin.
She added that executing EPHF practices requires appropriate regulations and an educational system that supports them.
Referring to Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, Dr. Agustin clarified that only individuals who have completed vocational and professional education are recognized as health workers.
Therefore, the development of professional education is critical, including for graduates of Public Health, Nutrition, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and Environmental Health study programs.
Furthermore, Dr. Agustin outlined six domains of practice in implementing public health essential functions. These include: health system enablers, public health intelligence, public health programs and services, resource management for public health programs and services, public health emergency management, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
She encouraged public health graduates not to limit themselves to formal government sectors.
“There are many opportunities beyond the health sector or government sector that should be explored strategically,” she concluded.
To close the anniversary series, FPH UI will also hold two community engagement activities: a mass circumcision event on July 5, 2025, and a Fun Run titled FUN4HEALTH on July 27, 2025, along with the inauguration of a facility grant from PT Samudera.
Through the spirit of “Noble in Character, Excellent in Performance,” this 60th Anniversary is not merely a celebration of age, but a reflective moment to continuously innovate, contribute, and serve for the advancement of public health in Indonesia. (DFD)