The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have agreed to collaborate in education.
The cooperation agreement was signed by Jose dos Reis Magno, the Deputy Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and Professor Ova Emilia, the Rector of UGM.
Simultaneously, a cooperation agreement was also signed between the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) and the Instituto Nacional De Saude Publica De Timor Leste.
The Cooperation Agreement for the Implementation of the Doctoral Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, the Master’s Program in Tropical Medicine, and the Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences was signed by Dr. Merita Antonia Armindo Monteiro, President of Instituto Nacional Saude Publica Timor-Leste (INSP-TL), and Professor Yodi Mahendradhata, Dean of FK-KMK UGM.
Jose dos Reis Magno welcomed the cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing human resources in the health sector of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. He emphasized that human resources in health are crucial for developing and improving the health sector.
High-quality human resources can effectively meet the population’s health needs. Therefore, developing human resources in the health sector is key to improving public health status.
“Since the restoration of independence in 2022, the government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has consistently increased the number of healthcare professionals, focusing on quantity and quality,” Jose dos Reis Magno said at the UGM Leadership Meeting Room on Tuesday (May 7).
Jose dos Reis Magno highlighted that in the government’s early years, Timor-Leste prioritized health by sending its best students to study various health disciplines abroad. Due to historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, Indonesia is a primary destination.
Faced with global health challenges, the Timor-Leste government prioritizes strengthening and enhancing the health sector’s human resources. This includes sending students to top universities worldwide, with UGM being a key partner for human resource development.
“UGM has been collaborating in health resource development with Timor-Leste since 2010,” he explained.
This cooperation will prioritize a Doctor’s in Public Health, a Master’s in Tropical Medicine (particularly in parasitology), a Master’s in Medical Science (Molecular Medicine), and a Master’s in Medical Science (Histology and Biology).
The goal is for Timor-Leste students to gain a comprehensive education and return as highly skilled health professionals.
Rector Ova Emilia expressed her delight with the agreement, noting that although UGM and Timor-Leste have collaborated for a long time, this marks the first formal agreement.
She stressed the importance of education in developing quality human resources, highlighting UGM’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s educational efforts.
“I thank you for your trust. Given UGM’s extensive academic offerings, we plan to expand this cooperation beyond medical fields,” the rector said.
The rector also announced UGM’s new double-degree programs with international universities and suggested potential double-degree programs with Timor-Leste universities. This initiative aims to enhance graduate quality and improve institutional capacity.
“This double degree program is part of UGM’s collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly for low and middle-income countries. We hope this cooperation will be mutually beneficial. Additionally, UGM is developing an online education platform, offering flexible and economical learning opportunities,” she added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Donnie