Depok, 14 January 2026 — The Faculty of Public Health (FPH), Universitas Indonesia (UI), officially inaugurated the FPH UI pickleball court on Wednesday (14/1) under the theme “Smash the Limit, Move for Public Health.” The inauguration reaffirmed FPH UI’s commitment to fostering a culture of active and healthy living within the campus community as part of public health’s promotive and preventive efforts.
The event was attended by the UI Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D.; the UI Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Hamdi Muluk, M.Si.; the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, S.K.M., M.K.K.K.; the Dean of FPH UI for the 2021–2025 period, Prof. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo; the Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration of FPH UI for the 2025–2029 period, Mila Tejamaya, S.Si., MOHS., Ph.D.; along with faculty members, administrative staff, students, and invited guests.
In her remarks, Dean Prof. Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati emphasized that the pickleball court is not merely an addition to sports facilities, but a symbol of continuity in vision and cross-period collaboration at FPH UI. She expressed appreciation to Prof. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo for initiating the court’s development during the previous leadership period.
“The establishment of this court is tangible evidence of the continuity of vision within our faculty. The idea and initiation of its development began in the previous leadership period, and today we are able to enjoy the results together,” said Prof. Indri.
Referring to the theme Smash the Limit, Move for Public Health, the Dean also highlighted the importance for the FPH UI academic community to be not only intellectually excellent, but also physically resilient. As public health professionals, members of FPH UI are expected to set an example in adopting active and healthy lifestyles. The court is envisioned as a space for social interaction, stress relief, and maintaining physical fitness for faculty members, administrative staff, and students alike.
Meanwhile, the UI Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, stated that the inauguration of the pickleball court represents a long-term investment by Universitas Indonesia in its most valuable asset—the health of its people.
“Today, we are not merely inaugurating a new sports facility; we are investing in the university’s most important asset: the health of its people,” he remarked.
He noted that pickleball is an inclusive sport that is easy to learn and effective in maintaining fitness with a relatively low risk of injury, making it suitable for various groups within the campus community.
According to him, amid high academic and administrative demands, physical activity plays a strategic role in maintaining physical and mental health, managing stress, and enhancing immunity and productivity. Regular exercise is also believed to support improvements in cognitive function, focus, and creativity, thereby positively impacting academic and professional performance.
The inauguration was symbolically marked by a ceremonial pickleball hit by UI and FPH UI leaders, followed by a friendly match involving faculty members, administrative staff, and students. The enthusiasm of participants reflected the strong interest of the academic community in recreational, collaborative, and health-promoting sports activities.
Beyond serving as a fitness facility for the academic community, the FPH UI pickleball court is also prepared to support various institutional and national agendas. FPH UI expressed its readiness to support the organization of pickleball competitions as part of the 76th Anniversary of Universitas Indonesia, as well as national-level pickleball tournaments in 2026. This initiative aligns with the efforts of UI and FPH UI to promote inclusive sports and to expand the positive impact of active lifestyles to the wider community. (wrk)