On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at Universitas Indonesia (UI) once again marked a moment of pride on the global education stage. Eight international master’s students from FPH UI took part in the 2025 Degree Awarding Ceremony for UI International Students held at the Makara Art Center, UI Depok Campus. They were among 61 international graduates from 15 countries, comprising 60 master’s and one doctoral graduate. The graduates came from countries including Pakistan, Tajikistan, India, China, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Gambia, Nigeria, Palestine, South Sudan, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
From FPH UI, the eight international graduates who participated in the ceremony were:
Faraz Ali (Pakistan), Maham Gul (Pakistan), Shoaib Shafqat (Pakistan), Afaf Jauhar Khan (Pakistan), and Harun Yussuf Ayoub (Tanzania) from the Master of Public Health program; Ghulam Mustafa (Pakistan) from the Master of Hospital Administration (KARS) program; Abdelrahman Alnweiri (Palestine) from the Master of Epidemiology program; and Rahmeen Ajaz (Pakistan) from the Master of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) program.
This event was a proud moment not only for the graduates but also for FPH UI, which remains committed to producing globally competent public health professionals.
The attendance of FPH UI leaders and academic community members at the ceremony demonstrated strong support for the achievements of international students. Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., was present along with several lecturers, including: Dr. Laila Fitria, S.K.M., M.K.M., Academic Manager; Dr. Budi Hartono, S.Si., M.K.M., Head of the Master of Public Health Program; Prof. Dr. Robiana Modjo, S.K.M., M.Kes., Head of the Undergraduate Public Health Program; Prof. Dr. Ede Surya Darmawan, S.K.M., M.D.M., Head of the Department of Health Administration and Policy (AKK); Prof. Dr. Dra. Dumilah Ayuningtyas, M.A.R.S., Professor of AKK; and Milla Tejamaya, S.Si., MOHS., Ph.D., Lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety and also Director of Campus Welfare and Head of the UI Safety Office.
Dr. Laila Fitria, Academic Manager of FPH UI, explained that the 2023 international students were recipients of the UI GREAT scholarship, a flagship program that expands access to higher education at UI for students from developing countries. “Most of them are exceptionally bright students. Their academic performance even exceeds the class average,” said Dr. Laila.
Despite facing challenges such as cultural differences, habits, and language barriers, these international students have shown strong adaptability and integration within campus life. “Most academic interactions are in English, but they also took Bahasa Indonesia classes in their first semester, which helped with daily communication,” she added.
Their enthusiasm extended beyond the classroom. One of the graduates, Afaf Jauhar Khan, is scheduled to represent FPH UI at an international conference on health economics in Bali. Moreover, their diligence in completing theses involving community-based research demonstrates their commitment and dedication as future leaders in public health.
The achievements of these international graduates reflect FPH UI’s vision as an excellent and inclusive educational institution, actively contributing to the development of public health experts from around the world. This event also reaffirms that UI, particularly FPH, is not only a home for Indonesian students but also a welcoming place for the global academic community—fostering collaboration, diversity, and shared excellence.
(wrk)