Tag Archive for: SDGs 10

Enhancing the Quality of Life of Chronic Patients in the Community through the Establishment of KASIH (Humanistic Palliative Care Cadres)

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UNESCO CHAIR ON BIOETHICS - COMMUNITY SERVICE

Living with a chronic illness is not only a challenge for patients, but also for their families and the surrounding community. Long-term care, psychological burdens, and limited access to health services often create complex needs that go beyond medical treatment alone. In this context, a palliative care approach plays a crucial role in improving quality of life by addressing medical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of care.

Responding to this need, the Master’s Program in Bioethics, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH) as part of the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics, organized a community engagement program entitled “Enhancing the Quality of Life of Chronic Patients in the Community through the Establishment of KASIH (Humanistic Palliative Care Cadres)”. The activity was held on 27–28 August 2025 at RW 10 Community Hall, Bangunrejo, Kricak Village, Yogyakarta, and was attended by 50 participants, consisting of community health cadres and family representatives of palliative care patients.

During the program, participants were equipped with essential knowledge and practical skills in palliative care through a series of thematic sessions. These included Fundamentals of Palliative Care delivered by Prof. Christantie Effendy, S.Kp., M.Kes.; Identification of Palliative Patients’ Needs by Ns. Wahyu Dewi Sulistyarini, M.S.N.; The Importance of Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects in Palliative Care by Prof. Sismindari, Apt., SU., Ph.D.; and Therapeutic Communication in Palliative Care, facilitated by the training team.

In addition to theoretical sessions, participants engaged in hands-on practice sessions designed to strengthen community-based caregiving skills. These included Activity and Mobilization Care Practice led by drg. Agnes Bhakti Pratiwi, M.P.H., Ph.D.; Personal Hygiene Care Practice facilitated by dr. Wika Hartanti, M.I.H. together with Mahmasoni Masdar, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep.; and Therapeutic Communication Practice guided by Ns. Wahyu Dewi Sulistyarini, M.S.N. in collaboration with Ika Setyasari, S.Kep., Ns., M.N.Sc. All practical sessions were conducted with close facilitator support, enabling participants to directly apply relevant skills for home- and community-based care.

Through the establishment of KASIH, the program aims to develop community cadres who can serve as the frontline support system for chronic patients within families and neighborhoods. These cadres are expected not only to provide basic palliative care assistance, but also to act as a vital link between patients, families, and professional healthcare providers—grounded in ethical principles of compassion, dignity, and solidarity.

This initiative reflects UGM’s and the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics’ commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By strengthening community capacity and promoting holistic, human-centered care, the KASIH program seeks to ensure that palliative care services reach even the most vulnerable populations and contribute to sustained improvements in the quality of life of chronic patients.

Editor : Rafi

Empowered Health Cadres, Stronger Communities: Community-Based Rehabilitation Training for Disability-Inclusive Villages

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The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in its role as part of the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics, successfully conducted a Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Training as part of its community engagement program at the Gading Village Hall, Playen Subdistrict, Gunungkidul Regency, on Wednesday, 13 August 2025.

The program was led by Dr. Dra. Retna Siwi Padmawati, M.A., and directly monitored by Ema Madyaningrum, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kes., Ph.D., with full support from the YAKKUM Rehabilitation Center, Playen I Primary Health Center, Playen II Primary Health Center, and the Gunungkidul District Health Office. This initiative reflects the UNESCO Chair’s commitment to promoting human dignity, inclusion, and ethical responsibility in community-based health services.

The training engaged community health cadres from Gading Village and Plembutan Village as its primary participants. The sessions addressed key topics, including an overview of various types of disabilities, assertive and inclusive communication for persons with disabilities (PEKA Disability), self-care support for persons with disabilities, and emergency response management in disability contexts. All training materials were designed to equip cadres with both conceptual understanding and practical skills grounded in bioethical principles of respect, justice, and non-discrimination.

Participants were also provided with the PEKA Disability Handbook, developed as a practical tool for health monitoring and assertive communication with persons with disabilities. This resource supports the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics’ mission to strengthen ethical literacy and empower communities to deliver equitable and humane health services.

The initiative was motivated by the high prevalence of psychosocial disabilities in the Gunungkidul region, which calls for a comprehensive and sustainable response. Limited access to facilities and insufficient community awareness often lead to social isolation and heightened safety risks for persons with disabilities. Through this training, village health cadres are expected to become agents of ethical change, fostering inclusion, reducing stigma, and ensuring that care is delivered with respect for human rights.

The program will culminate in Free Health Screening Services for Persons with Disabilities and the Declaration of Disability-Inclusive Villages in Gading Village and Plembutan Village. This declaration symbolizes a collective commitment among village governments, health cadres, and community members to create inclusive environments and uphold equal rights for persons with disabilities, in line with the values promoted by the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics.

This community-based rehabilitation initiative contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Beyond its immediate impact, the program is expected to serve as a replicable model of ethically grounded village empowerment, supporting inclusive and sustainable community development across Indonesia.

Editor : Rafi

Generation in Bloom: Intergenerational Collaboration to Combat Ageism through Healing Garden Therapy in Salam Wetan, Bantul

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BIOETIKA HUMANIORA MEDICAL ETHICS Healing Garden Therapy Hadirkan Sinergi Komunitas dalam Melawan Ageisme

Group Photo

Bantul, 3 August 2025 — The Community Engagement Team of the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, conducted another phase of the Healing Garden Therapy program entitled “Generation in Bloom: Combating Ageism through Healing Gardens” in Salam Wetan Hamlet, Bangunjiwo Village, Bantul. This initiative represents a sustained effort to create healthy, inclusive, and age-friendly environments while promoting intergenerational education to address age-based stigma and discrimination (ageism).

The activity, held on Sunday morning, began at 07.00 a.m. with the sixth phase of communal work (gotong royong). Community members and the CBMH team collaboratively assembled hydroponic installations and installed garden bricks as part of the ongoing development of the healing garden. This hands-on process reflects the program’s emphasis on community participation and ecological sustainability.

Following the communal activity, the program continued with an official opening session and the introduction of the Ageism-Sensitive Elderly Health Monitoring Book. This publication was designed as a practical and accessible tool to support families and community health volunteers (kader) in monitoring the health conditions of older adults on a regular basis, while also encouraging a more respectful and non-discriminatory approach toward aging.

As part of the evaluation and mentoring process, the activity was directly observed by the Monitoring and Evaluation (Monev) Team from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) UGM. Susy Heri Pertiwi, AMd, representing the Monev team, attended the event and followed the program through to the book launch session. She expressed her appreciation for the active involvement of the community and the program’s visible progress.

“Initiatives like this have strong potential for wider development, including collaboration with community health centers (puskesmas), particularly to enhance health literacy and strengthen community engagement in elderly care,” she noted.

The event was also attended by members of the CBMH community engagement team who collectively promoted ethical and humanistic approaches to community-based development grounded in bioethics and medical humanities.

The Healing Garden Therapy program constitutes a tangible contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By fostering intergenerational collaboration and integrating social-ecological perspectives, the program creates healthy, inclusive, and age-friendly spaces that challenge ageism and support the dignity and well-being of older persons.

Editor : Rafi

International Bioethics and Humanities Conference (IBHC) 2024 Highlights: Bioethics at the Crossroads of Humanity, Technology, and Environmental Sustainability

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The International Bioethics and Humanities Conference (IBHC) 2024 was successfully organized by the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) Universitas Gadjah Mada, as part of its role as a UNESCO Chair on Bioethics, in collaboration with the Master’s Program in Bioethics, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The conference brought together global scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore the evolving role of bioethics in preserving humanity amid environmental crises and rapid technological advancement.

Held at The Alana Hotel Yogyakarta, this multidisciplinary forum provided a space for critical dialogue at the intersection of bioethics, technology, health, and environmental sustainability.

The conference was officially opened by Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D, Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, who symbolically struck the gong to mark the commencement of IBHC 2024. The opening ceremony was followed by a photo session reflecting the collective commitment of participants and speakers to advancing bioethics and humanities for a more sustainable and humane future.

Throughout the conference, symposium sessions addressed a wide range of pressing bioethical issues. Key discussions included biobanking ethics in Southeast Asia, focusing on informed consent, data privacy, and equitable data governance to support responsible health innovation. Sessions on bioethics education emphasized the integration of ethics into higher education through interactive and reflective learning approaches to nurture ethical leadership.

The theme of precision medicine explored ethical challenges related to genomic data protection, dynamic consent models, and equitable access to advanced medical technologies. Meanwhile, healthcare ethics sessions examined dilemmas in palliative care, rare diseases, and culturally sensitive medical decision-making. Additional topics included ethical research practices, the integration of traditional medicine, and the role of local wisdom in environmental sustainability through eco-village development and natural dye revitalization.

Plenary discussions featured distinguished speakers, including Dicky Sofjan, Ph.D., Ir. Laretna T. Adishakti, M.Arch., and Prof. Dr. Ir. Edia Rahayuningsih, MS., IPu., who offered critical perspectives on the intersections of bioethics, culture, technology, and sustainability.

In addition to the symposiums, IBHC 2024 hosted oral and poster presentation competitions on November 7, attracting participants from various academic and professional institutions. Presentations were evaluated by expert judges based on thematic relevance, ethical depth, and methodological rigor. The top three winners from both categories were announced during the closing session.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)—IBHC 2024 reaffirmed the importance of bioethics as a foundational framework for inclusive, just, and sustainable responses to global challenges. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and international collaboration, the conference underscored bioethics as a key driver in preserving humanity in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Editor : Rafi

Strengthening Ethical Competence in Health Care Services (Part 1): HELP Course Batch 7 – 4th Series

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BIOETIKA HUMANIORA MEDICAL ETHICS

Yogyakarta, December 3, 2025 — The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), in collaboration with the Master’s Program in Bioethics UGM, successfully organized the Certified Courses on Bioethics for Health Professionals (HELP) Batch 7 – Fourth Series, themed “Bioethics in Health Care Services (Part 1).”

Conducted over six days, from 26 November to 3 December 2025, this training program was designed to strengthen the ethical competence of health professionals in responding to increasingly complex ethical dilemmas within Indonesia’s health care system.

The fourth series focused on ethical foundations, case analysis, and clinical dilemmas situated within Indonesia’s socio-cultural context. Through a comprehensive set of sessions, participants were introduced to various ethical frameworks applicable to complex clinical situations, including the four principles of bioethics, the four-box method, and casuistry-based approaches. The program opened with an orientation session led by the organizing committee, followed by an introductory lecture by dr. Nur Azid Mahardinata, M.Bio.Et, who emphasized the importance of shared expectations in the learning process.

Ethical Frameworks and Clinical Decision-Making

On the first day, Dr. CB Kusmaryanto, SCJ delivered a critical reflection on the four basic principles of bioethics and their limitations when applied to cases deeply influenced by cultural and religious values. The discussion was followed by a session led by dr. Nur Azid, who introduced multiple ethical frameworks, enabling participants to compare and select the most appropriate approaches based on specific clinical contexts.

The second day explored fundamental issues in the doctor–patient relationship. Dr. dr. Siswanto Sastrowitjoto, Sp.THT(K) guided participants in evaluating the validity of informed consent in complex situations, such as diminished decision-making capacity and strong family involvement. Interactive breakout-room case discussions enriched the session. Subsequently, dr. Nur Azid addressed challenges related to medical confidentiality in the era of digital health and telemedicine, including regulatory compliance and risk mitigation strategies.

Communication, Culture, and Ethical Sensitivity

The third day emphasized ethical skills and cultural sensitivity. Prof. Dra. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, M.Si., Ph.D discussed communication as an ethical practice and demonstrated empathetic delivery of bad news through role-playing simulations. This was followed by a session with Prof. Syafaatun Almirzanah, M.A., M.Th., Ph.D., D.Min, who highlighted the importance of cultural competence in clinical practice, particularly in integrating patients’ cultural values into medical decision-making without compromising professional standards.

Ethical Dilemmas Across the Life Cycle

On the fourth day, discussions focused on ethical dilemmas at the beginning of life. Dr. Agung Dewanto, Sp.OG(K), Ph.D guided participants through structured debates on assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF, surrogacy, and embryo selection. The session continued with Dr. Endah Rahmawati, Sp.OG, Ph.D, who explored ethical considerations in prenatal diagnosis and therapy, as well as counseling strategies when genetic abnormalities are identified.

The fifth day addressed ethical challenges in caring for vulnerable populations. Dr. dr. Nurnaningsih, Sp.A(K) examined the application of the best interest principle in medical decision-making for neonates and children, including vaccination and intensive care issues. This was followed by Dr. dr. Probosuseno, Sp.PD, K.Ger, SE, MM, who discussed ethical issues in geriatric care, particularly in distinguishing beneficial treatment from futile care and respecting patient autonomy amid declining decision-making capacity.

Legal Integration and Ethical Governance

The program concluded on 3 December 2025 with a session on the legal aspects of medical ethics, delivered by Dr. dr. Darwito, SH, Sp.B, Subsp.Onk(K). This session provided a comprehensive overview of legal protection for physicians and health institutions, clarifying distinctions between ethical violations, disciplinary actions, and malpractice, as well as emphasizing risk mitigation through proper medical documentation. The training concluded with a session on ethical organizations within health institutions, followed by a post-test and participant reflection to evaluate competency development.

This training reaffirmed CBMH UGM’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Indonesian health professionals—not only in ethical knowledge, but also in cultural sensitivity, communication skills, and legal awareness. Through continuous professional education initiatives such as the HELP Course, CBMH UGM contributes to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by promoting ethical, inclusive, and high-quality health care services.

Editor: Rafi

 

Integrating Business Ethics and Medical Ethics in Obstetrics & Gynecology Practice

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BIOETIKA HUMANIORA MEDICAL ETHICS

A mother arrives at a hospital with the hope of receiving the best possible care for herself and her baby. Yet behind every medical decision made by physicians, there are often additional considerations—ranging from financial pressures and insurance policies to hospital revenue targets. How can doctors maintain professional integrity while the healthcare business must continue to operate? This critical question became the central focus of the Raboan Discussion Forum, organized by the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Universitas Gadjah Mada, on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, from 13:00 to 14:30 WIB.

Carrying the theme “Integrating Business Ethics and Medical Ethics in Obstetrics & Gynecology Practice,” the forum featured Prof. Dr. dr. Rajuddin, SpOG(K), Subsp. FER as the main speaker, with NS Wahyu Dewi Sulistyarini, M.S.N. serving as moderator.

In his presentation, Prof. Rajuddin emphasized the importance of achieving a balance between medical ethics and business ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology practice. Issues such as overtreatment driven by financial targets, patient discrimination based on socioeconomic status, and the risk of commercialization in fertility services were highlighted as tangible examples of ethical dilemmas frequently encountered in clinical settings.

Furthermore, he underlined that well-implemented business ethics can, in fact, reinforce medical ethics. Cross-subsidy schemes, for instance, may help ensure equitable access to healthcare for underprivileged patients, while profits generated from premium services can be allocated to improving facilities, supporting research, and enhancing the training of healthcare professionals.

The discussion was also closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. By integrating business and medical ethics, healthcare systems are expected to deliver services that are sustainable, equitable, and dignified, while simultaneously strengthening public trust in healthcare institutions.

The event received a strong and enthusiastic response, with participants joining from a wide range of institutions, including hospitals, educational institutions, and health organizations across Indonesia. The diversity of participants enriched the discussion, bringing interdisciplinary perspectives that further underscored the relevance of this topic to everyday healthcare practice.

Through this regular forum, CBMH UGM reaffirms its commitment to fostering critical and solution-oriented discussions on bioethics and the medical humanities, in support of more just, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare services in Indonesia.

Watch the full discussion on the CBMH UGM YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WImScaUqbO4

Reporter: Rafi

Academic Excellence, but Where Is Empathy? Rethinking Medical School Admissions

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raboan bioetika

Yogyakarta, 6 August 2025 — The quality of a nation’s healthcare system is strongly determined by the quality of its medical workforce, particularly physicians who stand at the frontline of healthcare delivery. Behind every competent doctor lies a selection process that determines who is granted the opportunity to pursue medical education. Amid the growing demand for healthcare professionals who possess not only academic excellence but also strong integrity and empathy, a fundamental question arises: does the current medical school admissions system in Indonesia adequately respond to the needs of today’s healthcare landscape?

This strategic issue became the focus of the Raboan Discussion Forum, held on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, under the theme “Medical School Admissions: Are We on the Right Track?” The forum featured dr. Hikmah Muktamiroh, MMedEd, SpKKLP, Subsp COPC, who delivered a comprehensive overview of the dynamics of medical student selection in Indonesia, compared it with practices in developed countries, and proposed innovative pathways for reform.

In her presentation, dr. Hikmah emphasized that medical school admissions in Indonesia remain heavily focused on cognitive and academic performance, with insufficient assessment of ethical values and empathy. This imbalance risks producing graduates who excel academically but may lack adequate readiness to navigate the complex human relationships inherent in clinical practice.

She also highlighted several critical challenges, including unequal access for students from 3T regions (Tertinggal, Terdepan, and Terluar – underdeveloped, frontier, and remote areas), the commercialization of medical education, and the absence of a national standard for non-academic assessment. As a comparison, dr. Hikmah discussed admission practices in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, where selection processes have incorporated Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), personality assessments, and evaluations of empathy and communication skills.

Towards the end of the session, several policy reform proposals were presented, including strengthening soft skills assessment, providing affirmative pathways for students from 3T regions, enhancing training for faculty interviewers, and involving professional organizations as well as bioethics experts in designing a fairer and future-oriented admissions system.

This topic is highly relevant within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Reforming medical education admissions to be more inclusive, ethical, and equitable is a crucial foundation for ensuring that all citizens—without exception—have access to high-quality healthcare delivered by competent and principled medical professionals.

Reporter: Rafi 
Editor: Alvira

“Nrima”: A Javanese Cultural Value and Its Influence on Healthcare

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BIOETIKA HUMANIORA MEDICAL ETHICS

Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again held its weekly routine program, Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing, on Wednesday, 30 July 2025. Conducted online via Zoom Meeting, the session addressed a highly relevant topic entitled “Nrima – a Particular Javanese Value and Its Impact on Healthcare.”
The event featured drg. Agnes Bhakti Pratiwi, MPH, Ph.D., a faculty member of FK-KMK UGM, as the main speaker, and was moderated by Ardhini Nugrahaeni, M.K.M.

The concept of nrima, which refers to sincere acceptance of one’s circumstances, including illness, is deeply rooted in Javanese society. This value reflects resilience, patience, and an adaptive capacity to face life’s challenges. In the healthcare context, nrima may encourage patients to remain steadfast and compliant during long-term treatment, while also supporting their mental well-being when dealing with chronic or irreversible conditions.

However, the discussion also highlighted the ethical challenges associated with nrima, particularly in relation to patient autonomy and doctor–patient communication. Patients who strongly adhere to nrima tend to be passive, less likely to fully express their symptoms, and reluctant to ask for further medical information. Consequently, healthcare providers may offer limited explanations, potentially reducing the quality and completeness of medical information received by patients.

“In the context of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, it is crucial for healthcare systems not only to understand local cultural values such as nrima, but also to balance them with the fulfillment of patients’ rights,” stated drg. Agnes. She further emphasized, “Without culturally sensitive communication approaches, we may unintentionally diminish patient autonomy and weaken their participation in medical decision-making.”

Moreover, this phenomenon is closely related to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Patients from certain cultural backgrounds, including Javanese communities that uphold nrima, face a higher risk of unequal access to comprehensive medical information and equitable involvement in healthcare decisions.

As potential solutions, drg. Agnes recommended strengthening education on patients’ rights, providing culturally sensitive communication training for healthcare professionals, and empowering patients to feel more confident in asking questions and expressing their needs. Through these efforts, healthcare services can become more inclusive, equitable, and effective.

This discussion represents an important contribution to CBMH’s ongoing commitment to promoting a locally rooted, globally respected approach—integrating local cultural values into the national healthcare system while upholding universal ethical principles.

Reporter: Ardhini Nugrahaeni, M.K.M
Editor: Rafi

Learning History: A Crucial Foundation for an Ethical and Sustainable Future

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Yogyakarta, 16 July 2025 – In a rapidly changing world, studying history is not just about remembering the past, but also about understanding the direction of our future. History offers us essential lessons—particularly in ethics, justice, and humanity. The principle of “Jas Merah” (an Indonesian acronym for “Never Forget History”) is especially relevant to this edition of Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing, which raised the theme “Ethical Considerations in Historical Research: Locating Archives and Conducting Interviews.” This session featured Professor Hans Pols from the University of Sydney and was moderated by Ns. Wahyu Dewi Sulistyarini, M.S.N., from CBMH UGM.

Prof. Hans emphasized that history is no longer solely told from the perspective of those in power or from elite narratives. Today, it also serves as a space to amplify voices that have long been marginalized—such as those of women, laborers, and ethnic minorities—offering us a broader and more just understanding of the past.

He also highlighted the vital role of archives as key sources of information about past events and figures. However, working with archives also presents ethical challenges. For example, colonial-era Dutch newspapers archived on Delpher.nl contain rich data but are written in Dutch and largely reflect a colonial viewpoint. This makes it all the more important to balance such sources with materials that represent diverse Indonesian perspectives, including oral histories that are more inclusive and sensitive to cultural and social diversity.

According to Prof. Hans, ethics in historical writing means having the courage to explore stories that are unusual, overlooked, or hidden within the “silences” of history. It also means ensuring that history—through books, journals, and digital databases—can be accessed by everyone, regardless of background or academic privilege.

This topic closely aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting a critical and inclusive understanding of the past, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by highlighting stories from marginalized communities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by uncovering the roots of injustice and fostering transparent, equitable governance.

By learning from the successes and failures of the past—whether in managing resources, fostering social development, or upholding justice—we can craft wiser, more ethical, and more inclusive pathways for the future. A future that values not only progress but also fairness, diversity, and shared humanity.

Reporter: Ika Setyasari, S.Kep.Ns., M.N.Sc

Editor: Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.

[easy_youtube_gallery id=RdRt8uXzkK8 cols=1 ar=16_9 thumbnail=0 title=top]”Ethical Considerations in Historical Research: Locating Archives and Conducting Interviews”[/easy_youtube_gallery]

Care Without Distance: Opportunities and Challenges of Telemedicine After the New Health Law

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The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held another session of its weekly forum, Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The discussion was conducted virtually via Zoom and explored a timely and important topic: “Telemedicine After the Enactment of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health.” The session featured Dr. Febriyolla SK Sjaawalz, MH, CIIQA, lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, UPN Veteran Jakarta, as the main speaker, and was moderated by NS Wahyu Dewi Sulistyarini, M.S.N.

In her presentation, Dr. Febriyolla explained how digital technology has significantly transformed the way healthcare services are delivered. One key example is telemedicine—remote healthcare services that use communication technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, as both patients and healthcare providers needed a safe way to access and provide medical care during lockdowns and social restrictions.

Following the enactment of Law No. 17 of 2023, telemedicine in Indonesia now has a clearer legal foundation. This law officially recognizes telemedicine as part of the national health service system. It also mandates that telemedicine must be provided by licensed healthcare professionals through accredited healthcare facilities. Additionally, the law highlights the importance of maintaining high-quality service standards and ensuring the security and confidentiality of patient data.

During the session, participants were invited to explore the benefits of telemedicine, such as broader access to healthcare—especially for people in remote areas—and more efficient use of time and cost. However, Dr. Febriyolla also pointed out several challenges, including limited digital infrastructure, concerns about the accuracy of remote diagnoses, and the risks of data privacy breaches.

From both legal and ethical perspectives, telemedicine must still comply with existing regulations. Informed consent remains essential, and medical records must be securely stored. If malpractice or ethical violations occur, legal enforcement mechanisms continue to apply, just as they would in traditional clinical settings.

The topic closely aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Telemedicine has the potential to reduce health disparities by providing more equitable access to care, even in hard-to-reach regions.

Through this Raboan event, CBMH UGM reaffirms its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary discussions that not only contribute to academic discourse but also address real-world issues that impact communities. Telemedicine is not just a technological tool—it represents a major shift in how we understand and provide healthcare in ways that are inclusive, secure, and just.

Reporter: Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.

Editor: Rafi Khairuna Wibisono, S.Kom.

[easy_youtube_gallery id=Bw1BkI_ePdU cols=1 ar=16_9 thumbnail=0 title=top]TELEMEDISIN PASCA UU NOMOR 17/2023 TENTANG KESEHATAN[/easy_youtube_gallery]