In an effort to develop professional study programs, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) organized a workshop featuring Prof. Dr. dr. Sabarinah, M.Sc., a Permanent Professor at FPH UI, and Dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D., Secretary of the University of Indonesia (UI) and a representative of the Indonesian Public Health Experts Association (IAKMI) in the Indonesian Health Worker Council (MTKI), as well as a member of the Indonesian Health Council Leadership from the Government Element. The workshop took place on November 12, 2024, at Savero Hotel, Depok.
The current situation and the urgent need for professional education programs at FPH UI were presented in a discussion moderated by Dr. Ir. Asih Setiarini, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs at FPH UI. Also in attendance were the Dean of FPH UI, Heads of Study Programs, and Educational Staff of FPH UI.
Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., Dean of FPH UI, stated that the push to open professional study programs in public health is becoming increasingly important, especially with government regulations establishing the classification of public health workers and raising the standards of the profession. “In fact, it is crucial that we address this now, as the government has issued various regulations concerning the public health profession. There are also government regulations that set classifications for public health workers and encourage the elevation of professional standards,” explained Prof. Mondastri. The Dean further added that the University of Indonesia is currently more selective in approving the opening of new study programs, so FPH must act promptly. “This is the right moment for us to act quickly,” he continued.
Dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D., highlighted the urgency of developing professional education programs at FPH UI to prepare competent medical and health workers, referring to the provisions in Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health Human Resources (SDMK). Dr. Agustin emphasized the importance of the health workforce regulation, particularly those outlined in Chapter VII of the law. She affirmed that public health profession education is the answer to the need for a diverse and specialized workforce in public health and environmental health fields.
The need for health human resources is divided into three categories: medical personnel (Named), health workers (Nakes), and supporting personnel. Referring to Article 199, paragraph 1, Nakes are classified into 12 groups, including public health workers, environmental health workers, and nutritionists. She further elaborated that in Articles 199, paragraphs 6 to 8, public health workers include various professions such as health epidemiologists, health promotion and behavioral science experts, occupational health advisors, and health policy and administrative personnel. Moreover, environmental health workers include professions such as environmental sanitation experts and health entomologists.
“Furthermore, specialist education is also essential for Health Workers,” said Dr. Agustin. This education is not only aimed at improving competencies but also providing practical experience, as stipulated in Article 218, paragraph 2, which states that students in specialist programs are empowered by healthcare facilities in providing health services as part of their educational process. “The importance of competency testing is also emphasized in Article 220, which mentions that to assess the achievement of competency standards for medical personnel or specialists/subspecialists, students in these programs must undergo national competency testing,” explained Dr. Agustin. Upon completing education and passing the competency test, graduates will receive a specialist or subspecialist degree, as set out in Article 221.
“As the oldest and most distinguished faculty in Indonesia, FPH UI should play a role in the public health workforce profession program. There is high hope that FPH UI will influence the processes in each disciplinary collegium, develop academic papers and education standards for both academic and professional education, and actively contribute to the opening of professional education in Indonesia,” Dr. Agustin added. She also reminded that without active participation, FPH UI risks losing its presence in the development of professional education. On the contrary, by being a pioneer, FPH UI could become a model for other institutions in professional education. “This profession’s struggle is a real fight that requires unity of vision and collaboration from all parties,” she concluded.
Prof. Mondastri highlighted the biggest challenge in the development of public health professions (Kesmas), which is building a well-structured professional concept. “I believe the concept of the public health profession will be appropriate if it aligns with other professions,” she said. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia already has clear regulations regarding professional education, and all educational institutions must follow these rules. “Typically, the Ministry of Higher Education will request recommendations from the Ministry of Health, which will go through the council and processes that have been established,” Prof. Mondastri explained. She emphasized the importance of coordination with the council to obtain the necessary approval and recommendations to open professional programs.
According to Prof. Sabarinah, the standards for public health workers’ professions were created to support efforts to improve the quality of health services. “Law No. 17 of 2023 has emphasized the importance of the public health paradigm and explicitly describes the role of public health workers in supporting the national health system,” said Prof. Sabarinah. She explained that the background and objectives for forming these standards were driven by various public health issues that require professional handling. The urgency of establishing professional education programs in public health and developing professional standards for health workers is an important step in supporting the improvement of health services in Indonesia. “With a strong legal foundation through this law, FPH UI is expected to lead in policy formulation and the implementation of public health profession education,” Prof. Sabarinah added.
Through collaboration with various stakeholders, including collegiums, professional organizations, and Indonesian ministries, the vision of producing competent and professional public health workers is becoming more achievable. This initiative not only addresses regulatory needs but also forms part of a strategic effort to strengthen the national health system. With a united spirit, FPH UI is ready to be the driving force in creating outstanding, innovative, and dedicated public health workers for the nation. (DFD)