The UGM Faculty of Pharmacy has been tasked with supporting national independence in medicines and medical devices, which remains a significant challenge for the country.
A paradigm shift toward mastering digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is needed to address these challenges. Increased cross-sectoral collaboration and synergy in the pharmaceutical field are also required to create a high-quality, integrated, and sustainable health ecosystem through research and innovation development.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia conveyed this message during the 78th-anniversary celebration of the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy and the Open Senate Meeting on Friday (Sep. 27) at the APSLC Building Auditorium.
The rector expressed her hope that the upcoming cabinet reshuffle would also shift government support for domestic production efforts, including in the pharmaceutical field.
“Various efforts have been made, including collaboration, innovation, and research quality and knowledge development. It’s undeniable that the Faculty of Pharmacy is one of the top faculties producing new information and knowledge,” she said.
Furthermore, the rector thanked the senior faculty members, professors, and the entire academic community of the Faculty of Pharmacy for their outstanding performance and contributions to UGM’s three pillars of higher education.
She hoped that this anniversary celebration would continue to propel the Faculty of Pharmacy forward and make it a pioneer in innovative higher education in the pharmaceutical field, capable of addressing future global challenges.
Professor Zullies Ikawati, Chair of the Faculty of Pharmacy Senate, emphasized that at the age of 78, the Faculty of Pharmacy continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing knowledge in the fields of pharmacy and health.
This commitment has been recognized nationally and internationally. However, Professor Ikawati believes that the journey is still long, especially in the era of Society 5.0, where advanced technology and innovation are used to improve efficiency and create societal welfare and happiness.
Historically, the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy was established by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia on Sep. 27, 1946, under the name Perguruan Tinggi Ahli Obat (PTAO). This institution merged with other faculties, including Medicine, Dentistry, Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine, and was located in the Tegalyoso General Hospital complex in Klaten.
On Dec. 19, 1949, the Klaten Higher Education institution merged with the Technical College and Law School of the Gadjah Mada Foundation, forming Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Over time, all these entities became independent faculties, with the Faculty of Pharmacy now offering six study programs, including a Bachelor of Pharmacy, Apothecary Professional Education, Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master of Clinical Pharmacy, Master of Pharmacy Management, and Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences, all accredited with an ‘A’ (excellent) by LAM-PTKes.
During the event, Professor Satibi, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, presented the annual report, which covered performance targets in academic and student affairs, financial and human resource management, community service, collaboration, alumni relations, and a year-long activity review for 2024.
He noted that the Faculty of Pharmacy had achieved significant milestones, particularly in innovation, education, competition, and both national and international collaboration.
“Two of our lecturers have recently achieved a proud accomplishment, being listed among the top 2% of the world’s best scientists according to Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier,” he said.
Professor Satibi emphasized that these achievements were made possible through the synergy, alignment, and harmony between the academic community and administrative staff and by building cross-sectoral networking and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to achieve shared progress.
He assured that the Faculty of Pharmacy could contribute to supporting the independence of medicines and their raw materials, enhancing pharmaceutical services, and strengthening the global competence of UGM Pharmacy graduates in international higher education.
A scientific oration from Evie Yulin, President Director of PT Merck and a distinguished alumnus of the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy, also marked the culmination of the anniversary.
Between 2017 and 2024, Yulin was recognized by SWA Magazine, a leading business publication, as one of the Top 100 Businesswomen of the Year. In her speech, she discussed the opportunities and challenges in Indonesia’s healthcare ecosystem.
“Indonesia spends less on R&D overall compared to other countries. This paradigm needs to change if we want to advance a competitive pharmaceutical industry,” she said.
Yulin believes that the increasing amount of research and innovation in the pharmaceutical field that reaches commercialization can help improve access to more effective and efficient treatments for public health.
She emphasized the need for a triple helix collaboration between universities, the government, and industry to build Indonesia’s research and innovation ecosystem.
“This collaboration is essential for knowledge transfer and technology adoption, both of which are crucial for innovation in a sustainable healthcare ecosystem,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photos: Pharmacy UGM