Depok, 18 December 2025 — The Faculty of Public Health (FPH), Universitas Indonesia (UI), continues to strengthen its role as a center for the development of public health science that is responsive to the needs of Indonesia’s strategic sectors. This commitment was demonstrated through an exploratory meeting and follow-up discussion on potential collaboration between FPH UI and PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) I Regional 3, which was held online on Thursday (18/12).
The meeting was attended by the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, S.K.M., M.K.K.K., department heads and secretaries, as well as the Heads of the Master’s Programs in Public Health Sciences and Occupational Safety and Health. Representing PTPN I Regional 3 were members of the management team, including Tri Septiono (Regional Head) and Zunhaji (Manager of Banaran Coffee). The main agenda focused on strengthening collaboration in research, field-based learning, student internships, and community service, particularly in relation to health issues in the plantation sector.
In her remarks, Prof. Indri Hapsari Susilowati emphasized that this collaboration is a continuation of previous engagements, including outreach activities and seminars addressing occupational health and safety issues among plantation workers and the impacts of pesticide use. She expressed hope that future collaboration would expand further and involve the wide range of expertise available within FPH UI.
“FPH UI has seven departments with diverse areas of expertise. We see the plantation sector as a real-world laboratory for the development of research and community service, ranging from occupational health and environmental health to nutrition and health promotion. We hope this collaboration can be sustained and provide tangible benefits for workers and surrounding communities,” said Prof. Indri.
PTPN I Regional 3 welcomed the initiative positively. Zunhaji conveyed the company’s readiness to provide access and facilitate research activities, as well as to receive FPH UI students interested in undertaking internships at plantation units under its management. According to him, support from academia is essential to address the various health challenges encountered in the field.
In the same vein, Tri Septiono highlighted that the plantation sector faces complex challenges that require scientific and collaborative approaches. He introduced the profile of PTPN I Regional 3, which manages key commodities such as rubber, sugarcane, tea, and coffee, with 15 plantation units in Central Java, one agro-tourism unit, one downstream production and marketing unit, and one strategic business unit.
“The plantation industry faces numerous challenges, ranging from occupational health and safety to environmental management. We welcome cooperation with FPH UI and appreciate the trust that has been extended to us. We hope this collaboration will generate applied research and relevant solutions to support sustainable plantation development,” said Tri Septiono.
The discussion also explored opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Dr. Zakianis, S.K.M., M.K.M., Head of the Department of Environmental Health, highlighted issues related to waste and plantation by-product management near residential areas as potential areas for research and environmental health interventions. From a nutrition perspective, Nurul Dina Rahmawati, S.Gz., M.Sc., Secretary of the Department of Nutrition at FPH UI, emphasized the importance of studying the nutritional status of plantation workers. Meanwhile, Dr. Hendra, S.K.M., M.K.K.K., Secretary of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at FPH UI, noted that student research on occupational safety and health in the plantation sector remains relatively limited, thus presenting significant opportunities for more comprehensive research and field practice.
Beyond occupational and environmental health issues, FPH UI also proposed the development of innovative health-based programs, such as medical tourism and elderly wellness retreats in plantation areas. Prof. Indri explained that several plantation regions, including the Banaran area, possess environmental potential that supports nature-based promotive and preventive health programs, which could be integrated into future initiatives.
As a concrete follow-up, the meeting also discussed a draft Cooperation Agreement between FPH UI and PTPN I Regional 3. The draft outlines collaboration in human resource development, field-based learning, research, and community service in public health. The partnership is designed to be non-exclusive and mutually beneficial, aligned with the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, with further arrangements regarding program implementation, supervision, financing, and intellectual property protection.
Through this exploratory collaboration, FPH UI reaffirms its role as an academic institution that is responsive to the needs of business and industry, while contributing to the improvement of occupational health and safety in the plantation sector. This strategic partnership is expected not only to enrich student learning experiences, but also to generate impactful research and innovations that directly benefit workers, surrounding communities, and national public health development. (wrk)