Depok, 6 December 2025 — In an effort to strengthen regional health resilience and promote cross-border health diplomacy, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH), Universitas Indonesia (UI) once again demonstrated its role in advancing health development through the organization of the 7th International Seminar Series, titled “Next-Gen Health: Tech, Safety, Mental Health & Community for a Resilient Future.” Held on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the seminar was streamed online via FPH UI’s official channels and served as an important platform for the exchange of ideas on the future of public health, technology-based innovation, and community empowerment.
The international seminar attracted wide attention by featuring two key figures in regional health policy: Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Health, Prof. dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, SpPD-KEMD, Ph.D., and Timor-Leste’s Vice Minister of Health, Dr. Flávio Brandão M. de Araújo. Their presence marked a significant step forward in Indonesia–Timor-Leste health diplomacy, particularly in strengthening cross-border health systems that play a strategic role in controlling communicable diseases and improving promotive–preventive services for vulnerable populations, including communities in East Nusa Tenggara and Oecusse.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., emphasized that the seminar represented a momentum for Indonesia to lead regional health dialogue. He noted that the concept of Next-Generation Health integrates technology, occupational safety, mental health, and community strength as the foundation of future public health systems.
In his keynote address, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Health, Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, underscored that mental health has become a national priority amid the increasing burden of mental disorders in Indonesia. Referring to the Global Burden of Disease 2023, he stated that mental disorders have become the second leading cause of Years Lived with Disability (YLD). “Mental health can no longer be viewed as a complementary issue—it is the foundation of our public health,” he said. Prof. Dante emphasized that the complexity of these challenges requires a new approach through Indonesia’s Health System Transformation, encompassing reforms in primary care, human resources, financing, as well as health technology and biotechnology.
He explained that integrating mental health services into primary healthcare is a strategic step, reinforced by promotive programs such as Positive Parenting and Psychological First Aid (P3LP) across all age groups. Early detection efforts have been expanded through the Free Health Check (CKG) program, which has reached 25 million people using screening instruments such as PHQ-4 and EPDS. Prof. Dante also highlighted the strengthening of Mental Health-Capable Community Health Centers (Puskesmas Mampu Jiwa), which now account for 47.46% of facilities. “We want to ensure that mental health services are available as close to the community as possible,” he stressed, while emphasizing the role of community health cadres and Posyandu as frontline actors.
In crisis situations, the Ministry of Health has expanded access to psychological services through the national hotline healing119.id, connecting the public with certified clinical psychologists. Prof. Dante concluded by calling on academia to play a stronger role. “We need the support of universities—including FPH UI—to strengthen research, enhance the capacity of mental health professionals, and lead collaborations that can bring Indonesia toward more modern and inclusive mental health services,” he stated.
In his presentation, Timor-Leste’s Vice Minister of Health, Dr. Flávio Brandão M. de Araújo, PGDA, Mmed., outlined national health challenges characterized by the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as a high demand for mental health services in the post-conflict context. He emphasized that Timor-Leste’s health system still faces limitations in professional workforce availability, infrastructure, and service access, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. Flávio highlighted the critical role of community-based organizations such as PRADET and Saúde na Família (SnF), which for more than two decades have served as the backbone of psychosocial support for vulnerable populations. Through case management mechanisms, field visits, and two-way referral services with health facilities, these organizations help bridge gaps in mental health services and strengthen community capacity as active partners of the government.
He also stressed the importance of digital innovation in accelerating health transformation, including telemedicine, tele–mental health services, and integrated health information systems. However, Dr. Flávio cautioned that digital transformation must be adapted to local contexts—addressing limitations in internet access, digital literacy, and application fragmentation—so that technology genuinely improves service quality and strengthens community health resilience.
Several international experts also contributed multidisciplinary perspectives on the future of public health. Among them, Prof. Sang Daniel Choi from George Mason University, Virginia, discussed human–technology interaction in modern workplaces and its impact on worker safety and well-being. Dr. Hazil Zakaria from Malaysia highlighted the use of AI in strengthening mental health services. Meanwhile, Dr. dr. Agus Azhari Nur from the Global Diabetes Compact presented a new AI-based model for screening the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, with the potential to transform population-level NCD prevention strategies. Other speakers, including Dr. Mellisa Rahmandani from RSUI and Dr. Avelino Guterres Correia from Universidade da Paz, enriched the discussion with insights on healthcare worker fatigue management and public health transformation strategies in Timor-Leste.
Through a series of presentations and policy dialogues, the seminar affirmed that artificial intelligence is not merely a supporting tool, but an integral component of future health transformation. Mental health is increasingly recognized as equally important as physical health, while occupational safety for healthcare workers is positioned as a fundamental pillar of service quality. Moreover, the seminar underscored local communities as key actors in building long-term health resilience.
Through the organization of the 7th International Seminar Series, FPH UI once again demonstrated its central role in connecting academia, global researchers, and policymakers. By advancing health diplomacy that integrates AI technology, human resource strengthening, and community empowerment, FPH UI continues to reinforce its position as a leading institution driving innovative solutions to public health challenges in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region. (wrk)