Eight students from Gaza who have been affected by the ongoing conflict in their homeland have the opportunity to continue their studies at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM). The eight students are currently undergoing the admission selection process at UGM.
“One of the students is Dina, a medical student from Al-Azhar University, Gaza, whose studies were forced to stop in 2023 after her campus was bombed and completely destroyed,” said the Dean of FK-KMK UGM, Professor Yodi Mahendradhata, during the Dean’s Report in the Open Senate Meeting commemorating the 80th Anniversary of FK-KMK UGM on Thursday (Mar. 5) at the auditorium.
Professor Yodi explained that this initiative is part of efforts to revive medical and health education in Gaza.
“Dina and her friends’ story represents just one of many accounts that reflect this faculty’s role in advancing education and improving the health of the nation and the world,” he said.
In addition to accepting students affected by the conflict in Palestine, Professor Yodi stated that FK-KMK remains committed to advancing national education by admitting students from Indonesia’s 3T regions (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas).
He noted that FK-KMK also helps realize the dreams of many young people from remote parts of Indonesia. One example is Merlins Renatasia Waromi, a specialist graduate originally from Serui, Papua. With a study period of only 3 years, 6 months, and 12 days, Waromi completed her specialist training in clinical microbiology, making her the fastest graduate in the specialist medical education program.
In addition to providing scholarships, FK-KMK UGM also actively assists the Faculty of Medicine, Cenderawasih University in Papua in pioneering the establishment of a medical specialist education program (PPDS).
“Alhamdulillah, last month we made history when FK Uncen launched the first specialist medical education program in Papua, namely the anesthesiology residency,” he explained.
FK-KMK UGM also strives to develop research and innovation with tangible impact. Professor Yodi explained that, through various innovations that advance the health sector, FK-KMK has helped address health problems and has become a national and international reference.
He also noted that FK-KMK UGM seeks to implement high-quality, sustainable, and comprehensive community service by involving alumni and strategic partners to promote community independence and welfare. One example is assistance provided to victims of floods and landslides in Aceh.
“This has also strengthened the capacity and reputation we have built in health disaster management, which is increasingly recognized globally,” he said.
Furthermore, Professor Yodi explained that FK-KMK UGM has successfully accelerated the number of doctoral degree holders over the past five years, increasing from 47 percent to 51 percent. In addition, the faculty has also increased the number of professors, rising from 8.1 percent in 2021 to 9.47 percent in 2025.
Beyond numerical growth, faculty members and educators have received numerous awards over the past five years, including UGM Awards, the Ambassador Award, and recognition in the World’s Top 2% Scientist list.
The Mayor of Yogyakarta, Hasto Wardoyo, in his scientific oration, highlighted efforts to improve public health in Yogyakarta through social policy approaches. He emphasized environmental sanitation, public facilities, the importance of family planning, stunting, and other health challenges. Therefore, he stressed that addressing these issues requires not only innovation but also transformation.
“When we create innovation, we also hope it will be revolutionary, capable of breaking through existing systems while transforming mindsets,” he said.
The Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, extended congratulations and appreciation for the eight decades of FK-KMK UGM’s establishment. She praised the faculty’s achievements in producing impactful innovations and accomplishments, ranging from student success to downstream development of health products.
“Congratulations to FK-KMK UGM on celebrating its 80th anniversary. May every achievement become a source of strength and a guide for the future development of education and health services in this country,” she concluded.
Author: Fatihah Salwa Rasyid
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Firsto