SEMARANG – The Faculty of Medicine Universitas Diponegoro (FK Undip) hosted an international hybrid guest lecture titled “Public Health Foundations: Families, Systems, and Society” on Wednesday (25/3/2026). Held at the Smart Class of the Maj. Gen. Dr. R. Soewondo Sastrodiprojo Building in Tembalang, the event featured prominent experts from Japan to discuss global shifts in epidemiology and public health systems.
The seminar highlighted the critical need for medical evolution in response to the rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). dr. Santoso, M.Si.Med., Sp.N, Head of the Undergraduate Medical Study Program, emphasized that future medical professionals must adapt to the shifting landscape from traditional clinical approaches to community-based health strategies.
“We have invited experts from Tottori University and Kagoshima University to share their extensive experience in family medicine and lifestyle diseases. We expect Undip medical students to grasp these phenomena comprehensively—from patient-centered and family-centered approaches to community-centered care,” said dr. Santoso.
The lecture series featured four key presentations that dissected public health through various lenses:
- Daisuke Son, MD, PhD: Explored the humanistic perspective of public health, bridging the gap between individual families and broader society.
- Shiron Tanoue, MD, PhD: Provided insights into Japan’s success in extending healthy life expectancy through rigorous countermeasures against lifestyle-related diseases.
- Chihaya Koriyama, MD, PhD: Discussed the intricacies of the Japanese Public Health System and the challenges it faces in the future.
- Ani Margawati, M.Kes, PhD: Offered a localized perspective on nutritional issues in Indonesia through an anthropological lens.
The Chairman of the Committee, dr. Ari Budi Himawan, M.Kes.(Epid)., Sp.D.V.E., noted that this guest lecture is part of the third iteration of a successful Summer Course program. This initiative stems from the ongoing partnership between The Faculty of Medicine Universitas Diponegoro, Tottori University, and Kagoshima University.
“Beyond strengthening our bilateral cooperation, we are introducing international students to the community health activities and preventive measures implemented here at Undip,” dr. Ari explained.
The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, fostering academic exchange and solidifying The Faculty of Medicine Universitas Diponegoro’s position as a leading institution in international medical education. (*)
