The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), inaugurated 33 new dietitians on Wednesday (Mar. 11) at the FK-KMK Auditorium. The inauguration of these nutrition professionals represents a strategic step in addressing the global obesity threat, which is projected to affect 4 billion people by 2035.
The Dean of FK-KMK UGM, Professor Yodi Mahendradhata, emphasized that these dietitian graduates are prepared to serve as “guardians of public nutrition” on the front lines of the health system. Their presence is expected to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, through humane, science-based nutrition approaches.
“Dietitians stand at the forefront of the health system, accompanying patients with empathy, helping communities understand healthy food, and promoting more humane, science-based nutrition approaches,” he said.
Professor Yodi also reminded graduates that the professional oath they recited is not merely a series of words but a moral and professional commitment grounded in integrity and respect for scientific knowledge. In practice, dietitians will face the real-life struggles of patients seeking to improve their lifestyles. “In practice—whether in hospitals, community health centers, communities, the food industry, or research—you will encounter many life stories. Behind each of them lies the hope for a better life and a more dignified quality of living,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Dietitian Professional Education Program at FK-KMK UGM, Dr. Mirza Hapsari Sakti Titis Penggalih, reported that 33 graduates during this period completed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway. The majority of graduates, at 93.34 percent, are practitioners already employed, while around 6 percent are academics. She expressed appreciation for the professional students who completed their studies despite demanding schedules and ongoing professional commitments.
“The graduates achieved an average cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.68 with an average study period of one year. Despite pursuing professional education while maintaining their jobs, they have demonstrated a lifelong learning spirit, graduating at an average age of 34 years and six months,” she explained.
During this period, Mawar Lestari was named the top graduate with a GPA of 3.92, closely followed by Pinka Cahyati Wibowo with a GPA of 3.90. Meanwhile, Tri Catur Nugrahasari ranked third with a GPA of 3.84.
With the addition of 33 new dietitians in this period, FK-KMK UGM has now produced a total of 428 dietitians since the program was first launched in 2007. In this cohort, the graduates are still predominantly female, with thirty-two women and one man. Cumulatively, UGM dietitian alumni number 391, with 37 female and 37 male dietitians.
In her message, Mirza encouraged graduates to uphold UGM’s identity and noble values wherever they serve. She also urged them to actively build professional networks through organizations such as the Indonesian Nutritionist Association (Persagi), the Indonesian Nutritionist Association (AsNI), and the Indonesian Sport Nutritionist Association (ISNA). According to her, participation in professional organizations is crucial for developing competencies while strengthening professional institutions.
“Join professional organizations to develop your competencies and strengthen professional networks. Your presence is highly anticipated to enrich the role of Indonesian nutritionists. If not us, who else will contribute to it?” she concluded.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photo: Firsto