Depok, 30 November 2025 — The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) successfully held the inaugural GEMA (Gebyar Edukasi Mahasiswa dan Alumni) PKIP 2025, a scientific dissemination forum designed as a space for education and collaboration between students and alumni of the Health Education and Behavioral Sciences (PKIP) program. This activity was part of the 15th Series of the FPH UI Online Seminar (SEMOL), carrying the theme “Inspiring Stories in Health and Growth Through Research.” The event took place on Friday, 28 November 2025, in a hybrid format at the Doctoral Promotion Room, Building G FPH UI, and online via Zoom Workplace, featuring multidisciplinary speakers and participants from across Indonesia.
The seminar was officially opened by Dr. Dian Ayubi, S.K.M., M.QIH., Head of the Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences (PKIP) FPH UI. In her remarks, Dr. Dian expressed appreciation for the inaugural GEMA PKIP as a collaborative platform for students and alumni to present research findings relevant to the advancement of public health science. The seminar consisted of three sessions moderated by Dr. Tiara Amelia, S.K.M., M.Sc. (Sessions 1 and 2) and dr. Yoslien Saponena, M.K.M. (Session 3). All presentations served as academic contributions to strengthen evidence-based understanding, policy, and practice in public health.
In the first session, drg. Ihyani Nurdiena Marliamara, M.K.M., presented her research on factors related to public transport drivers’ compliance with No Smoking Area regulations at Depok City Terminal in 2024. She found that compliance levels remain low. “Eighty percent of public transport drivers at the Depok City Terminal do not comply with No Smoking Area regulations,” she explained. Predisposing factors such as education, attitudes, and age, as well as enabling factors like income, sanctions, and information, were significantly associated with compliance—while cigarette prices showed no influence.
Next, Fadilah Martiza Rafa, S.K.M., discussed family perceptions of the Smoke-Free Area Village (Kampung KTR) Program in RW 13, Cisalak Urban Village. “The Kampung KTR Program offers relative advantages, especially for smoker families experiencing changes in smoking behavior in their surroundings,” she noted. However, children from non-smoking families still expressed uncertainty about its benefits.
The second session began with Indira Tomiko, who presented a study on determinants of exclusive breastfeeding behavior in the Tugu Public Health Center working area in 2025. “Respondents showed very good knowledge and most practiced early initiation of breastfeeding; however, only perceived behavioral control had a significant relationship with exclusive breastfeeding behavior,” she explained. Age, occupation, knowledge, attitudes, and subjective norms were not significantly associated.
The session continued with a presentation by Muh. Agung Saharuddin, S.K.M., M.K.M., on barriers to polio vaccination promotion in Indonesia. He highlighted the strong influence of religious narratives and misinformation. “Vaccine refusal is shaped by concerns about halal status, low health literacy, and the spread of conspiracy theories. Religious leaders and organizations such as MUI, NU, and Muhammadiyah play key roles in strengthening public trust,” he emphasized.
In the third session, Asyifa Nurlida, S.K.M., presented research on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among hospital laundry workers in Pontianak. She found no significant relationship between knowledge or attitudes and PPE use. “Laundry workers showed low levels of knowledge but high levels of attitude and behavior. However, neither knowledge nor attitude was significantly associated with PPE use,” she said.
This was followed by Ns. Suci Maudy Aulia, S.Tr.Kep., M.K.M., who explored food waste behavior among managers, employees, and consumers in Warung Tegal. The study revealed that most food waste occurred during preparation due to ingredients no longer being fresh. While subjective norms encouraged consumers to finish their meals, inadequate waste management systems remained a barrier. “These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive food waste management policies at the MSME level,” she noted.
Antonia Viena Hemo, S.K.M., then presented research on coping dynamics among families of individuals living in pasung (physical restraint) in Manggarai. “Both caregivers and non-caregivers recognize that mental disorders stem from medical and non-medical factors,” she said. “Pasung is used as a preventive measure for safety, but the burden felt by families is profound, encompassing both objective and subjective aspects.”
The final presentation was delivered by Lia Rahmawati Susila, S.K.M., M.K.M., on nutrition literacy and anemia prevention skills among female high school students in Depok. “Motivation had the strongest influence on anemia prevention skills,” she explained. “All independent variables accounted for 34.5 percent of the variance in preventive behavior.”
Through SEMOL Series 15, FPH UI hopes to provide an essential platform for sharing research findings, strengthening academic networks, and encouraging the development of more effective public health policies. FPH UI remains committed to supporting strategic research that addresses community health challenges and contributes meaningfully to health development in Indonesia. (EAR)