Depok, May 5, 2026 — The Faculty of Public Health (FPH), Universitas Indonesia (UI), officially held a gathering of its past and present Deans on May 5, 2026, at Amanaia D’Mall. The event served as both a reunion and a strategic discussion forum, bringing together the current faculty leadership and former Deans to discuss the future direction of FPH UI while sharing experiences, reflections, and ideas regarding the faculty’s contributions to public health development in Indonesia.
Held in a warm and collegial atmosphere, the meeting was attended by Prof. dr. Kemal N. Siregar, S.K.M., M.A., Ph.D., Dean of FPH UI for the 1990–1993 period; Prof. dr. Ascobat Gani, M.P.H., Dr.PH., Dean for the 1993–1996 and 1996–1999 periods; Prof. Dr. dr. Sudarto Ronoatmodjo, S.K.M., M.Sc., Dean for the 1999–2004 period; dr. Hasbullah Thabrany, M.P.H., Dr.PH., Dean for the 2004–2008 period; Prof. drs. Bambang Wispriyono, Apt., Ph.D., Dean for the 2008–2013 period; dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean for the 2013–2017 and 2017–2019 periods; Prof. Dr. dr. Sabarinah, M.Sc., Dean for the 2019–2021 period; and Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., Dean for the 2021–2025 period. The event was organized to strengthen relationships among FPH UI Deans across generations while inviting former Deans to contribute to major faculty initiatives, including the 61st Anniversary Celebration of FPH UI, which will take place on July 1, 2026.
The current Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, S.K.M., M.K.K.K., presented plans to launch a book documenting FPH UI’s contributions over more than six decades. “As FPH UI marks its 61-year journey, I intend to compile a publication that chronicles the faculty’s milestones and positive impact on public health in Indonesia. More than six decades of existence demonstrate that FPH UI has consistently served as a driving force in the transformation of health in this country,” said Prof. Indri.
She also emphasized the importance of evidence-based documentation. “If these contributions are not documented in a book, much of their value may be lost. We often refer to FPH as a pioneer, but where is the evidence base? Therefore, this book is expected to serve as tangible proof of FPH UI’s contributions to public health in Indonesia,” she added.
In addition to discussing the planned publication, Prof. Indri presented the faculty’s latest developments, including organizational restructuring in accordance with university regulations and the strategic direction of FPH UI for the 2025–2029 period. One of the key priorities highlighted was the strengthening of mental health programs in response to growing public health concerns that had not been fully addressed in previous policies.
In the field of education, FPH UI is responding to global competition and the growing number of public health programs through strategic transformation. As a concrete measure, the faculty is expanding its reach through the development of Distance Learning Programs and diversifying its academic offerings through the establishment of new study programs, further strengthening FPH UI’s position as a market leader. Meanwhile, in research, FPH UI is encouraged to increase scientific publications and research outputs to support the university’s goal of improving its global rankings. Research collaboration and the enhancement of contributions through publications and intellectual property outputs remain major priorities.
The discussion became even more engaging with active participation from the former Deans. Prof. Ascobat Gani shared historical reflections on the institution’s long journey and its contributions to national health policies.
“Many Presidential Regulations, Ministerial Regulations, and various health policies have involved contributions from FPH UI,” said Prof. Ascobat.
The former Deans also emphasized the importance of systematically documenting this history and these contributions to ensure they are preserved and can serve as valuable learning resources for future generations. In addition, discussions addressed resource management, including the development of an endowment fund to support the sustainability of academic programs and provide financial assistance to students.
Toward the conclusion of the meeting, the Deans shared reflections and aspirations for the future of FPH UI. Three key points emerged from the discussion. First, the importance of clearly defining the identity and academic position of public health as a discipline, ensuring that it is no longer perceived as a field that exists “in between” other disciplines, but rather as a field with a distinctive and strong scientific foundation.
Second, the need to strengthen tangible contributions to society and public policy so that the impact of FPH UI can be felt more broadly beyond academic circles. Third, the optimization of the faculty’s resources and assets to generate greater impact and support the institution’s long-term sustainability.
These reflections and aspirations concluded a discussion that was not only nostalgic in nature but also rich in direction and commitment to maintaining the relevance and contribution of FPH UI to health development in Indonesia. (EAR)