Celebrating Universitas Indonesia 20-year partnership

The Bachelor of Medical Science degree (BMedSci) allows Bachelor of Medicine students at Universitas Indonesia to complete a year of pre-clinical research training at the University of Melbourne. The program offers students opportunities to experience research in diverse clinical environments, and over 470 Indonesian medical students have graduated with the joint degree since the partnership began.

Professor Gunn represented the University of Melbourne at a Universitas Indonesia celebration of recent graduates and alumni to congratulate the 20^th cohort on completing their BMedSci degree.

Professor Jane Gunn with the BMedSci Prize Winner Diandra Zilver.

Professor Gunn said, “This valuable partnership has allowed us to share with Universitas Indonesia students the wealth of research training opportunities that are available in Melbourne. We hope that we’ve inspired our students to become the next generation of clinician researchers, generating and using best clinical evidence to deliver best clinical outcomes for patient care.”

Professor Gunn also had the opportunity to connect with Indonesian alumni from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences from across all disciplines at an alumni event and BMedSci anniversary symposium and lunch.

Professor Jane Gunn with members of the Panel discussion on Partnerships,
Global Education and Health Security.

Herself a graduate of the Faculty, Professor Gunn encouraged her fellow alumni to stay in touch with the University, and acknowledged the important contributions they were making to health care in Indonesia during her speech at the event.

“Having studied with us in Melbourne – whether that was a Master of Public Health, a Bachelor of Medical Science, or perhaps a PhD – you’re now making a difference to the health and wellbeing of your communities in many different ways. And we’re really proud that you’re alumni of the University of Melbourne.”

The joint symposium celebrating the BMedSci anniversary between the University of Melbourne and Universitas Indonesia offered over 150 BMedSci alumni and guests the opportunity to reflect on 20 years of collaboration. University of Melbourne delegates also engaged with key members of the Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Medicine and celebrated the continuation of the partnership.

Professor Jane Gunn and alumni at the alumni gathering.

In welcoming guests at the symposium, Professor Gunn said, “This symposium is all about sharing ideas, knowledge and experiences, and at this significant milestone, reflecting on the history of our partnership and looking forward to future collaboration in education and research.”

A traditional dance was performed by the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia (FKUI) Dance Company for those at the symposium. The dance was the Manggala Kirana Dance which tells the story of the conflict between two Manggala Kirana figures (princesses with advanced martial arts skills) striving for leadership over their people. They engage in a battle until one of the Manggala Kirana realises that strength cannot be overcome by strength, but through unity and awareness of a common goal: prosperity.

Manggala Kirana Dance performed by the FKUI Dance Company.

During the symposium, a panel was held on partnerships, global education and health security moderated by Universitas Indonesia, Ms Masita Mandasari, Deputy Director of Research Collaboration, University of Melbourne, Professor Vedi Hadiz, Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor International (Indonesia). Opportunities for future engagement between Australia and Indonesia were discussed during the panel which included panellists Ms. Madeleine Moss, Minister Counsellor, Governance and Human Development at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Ms Sovi Arinta, Senior Education Services Director, Trade and Investment Victoria, State Government of Victoria, Mr Agam Bayu Suryanto, Head of Division, Partnerships and Development, LPDP, Mrs. Sri Wahyuni, Deputy Director for Bilateral Health Cooperation, at the Ministry of Health.

During the visit, Professor Gunn met with key stakeholders from Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada and Universitas Airlangga, including Professor Dr. dr. Ari Fahrial Syam, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Indonesia, and collaborators from the Partnership in Research Indonesia and Melbourne (PRIME) program. PRIME is a cooperation initiative between the University of Melbourne, Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology and leading Indonesian universities. This initiative enhances interdisciplinary research and training throughout Indonesia and establishes the University of Melbourne as a leading institute for research capacity development in Indonesia.

Professor Jane Gunn with Professor Dr Ari Fahrial Syam, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Indonesia.

In addition, the discussion of proposed collaborative programs was well-received by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). This potential education partnership will advance the Faculty’s strategies in supporting the training and nurturing of future clinician-researchers in the region.

The success of the Faculty’s visit to Indonesia has further strengthened ties between the University of Melbourne and Universitas Indonesia and created deeper connection with alumni and students for opportunities in both Australia and Indonesia.