Tag Archive for: SDGs 16

From the Classroom to the Clinic: Everyday Ethical Dilemmas in Medical Professional Education

CBMH FKKMK UGM RABOAN

Yogyakarta, 21 January 2026 — Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing opened its 2026 series by featuring dr. Risahmawati, Dr.Med.Sc., MARS (Faculty of Medicine, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta) as the keynote speaker. The session served as an interactive forum to discuss the ethical challenges frequently faced by medical professional students in clinical settings.

Risahmawati shared her experience in integrating clinical ethics education from the early stages of professional training, encouraging students to reflect on real-life ethical dilemmas through structured discussions, presentations, and feedback from faculty members and clinicians. “Ethical dilemmas are not something to be avoided, but rather to be understood and managed critically,” she emphasized.

Participants discussed concrete cases ranging from being asked to perform medical procedures beyond their authority during overcrowded emergency departments, to verbal bullying in front of patients, unclear informed consent processes, the unauthorized use of patient photographs for educational purposes, and dilemmas surrounding educators’ professionalism in student assessment.

The forum underscored that professional medical education is a critical phase in shaping ethical character. Clinical lecturers were highlighted as key role models, while institutions were urged to provide safe spaces for ongoing ethical reflection and dialogue. Stakeholders including students, educators, healthcare professionals, and hospital management, were also encouraged to work together to foster a more humane and ethical medical education system.

The topic aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), through strengthening ethical healthcare services, integrity-based medical education, and a culture of justice, transparency, and accountability.

 

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

Editor : Rafi

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

 

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 Ethics, Humanity, Law, and Professionalism in Healthcare: HELP Bioethics Course Batch 7 Series 1

kursus bioetika help batch 7 seri 1

Yogyakarta, 26 March 2025 — The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, successfully organized the HELP Bioethics Course (Humanity–Ethics–Legal–Professionalism) Batch 7 Series 1, conducted online via Zoom from 17–26 March 2025. This series carried the theme “The Basic Understanding of Bioethics” and was attended by 44 participants from various institutions and faculties of medicine across Indonesia.

Participants consisted of lecturers, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers who share a strong commitment to integrating ethics, humanity, law, and professionalism within the healthcare system. Throughout the eight-day program, participants engaged in intensive theoretical sessions and in-depth discussions covering the foundations of bioethics, the relationship between ethics and law, ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, as well as issues related to professionalism and justice in medical practice.

Adopting a transdisciplinary approach, the course also explored the contributions of anthropology, religion, and social sciences in shaping bioethical understanding within Indonesia’s diverse sociocultural context. The presence of distinguished speakers from national and international institutions, including Harvard Medical School and Amsterdam UMC, enriched participants’ global and local perspectives on ethical and moral challenges in contemporary healthcare.

The HELP Course is part of CBMH UGM’s ongoing commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By fostering ethical awareness, moral reflection, and professional attitudes in decision-making, this program is expected to contribute to the development of healthcare professionals who are not only clinically competent, but also firmly grounded in human dignity and social justice.

Through this program, CBMH UGM reaffirms its role as a platform for learning and knowledge-sharing in bioethics and medical humanities. The HELP Course supports participants’ personal and professional growth while contributing to the creation of a healthcare system that is more equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and respectful of human dignity.


Editor: Rafi

HELP Course Batch 6 – 6th Series : Strengthening Bioethics in Medical Education

The HELP Course (Humanity–Ethics–Legal–Professionalism) 6th Series, Batch 6 was successfully conducted from Wednesday to Friday, 25–27 September 2024, at Hotel MM UGM, Yogyakarta. This sixth series focused on Bioethics in Medical Education, bringing together healthcare professionals and academics committed to strengthening ethical awareness and teaching strategies in medical education.

This program aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of ethical principles in medical education and to equip them with effective strategies for teaching bioethics in academic and clinical settings. The course aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting ethical competence among educators, and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through the development of ethically grounded healthcare professionals.

Global Perspectives on Ethics in Medical Education

The first day of the HELP Course opened with a session titled “Global Health Ethics: Addressing Disparities in Medical Education and Clinical Practice”, delivered by Prof. Dr. dr. Soenarto Sastrowijoto, Sp.THT(K). In this session, Prof. Soenarto discussed the importance of addressing inequalities and integrating bioethics into both medical education and clinical practice. He emphasized that academics must develop a comprehensive understanding of bioethics in order to teach it effectively within their respective institutions.

He concluded the session with a reflective message on the educator–student relationship, highlighting the importance of patience, mentorship, and mutual respect in academic environments.

Innovative Approaches to Teaching Bioethics

The following session explored teaching strategies in bioethics through “Narrative Ethics: Advanced Techniques in Ethical Discourse”, presented by Dr. Dra. Retna Siwi Padmawati, M.A. She underlined the importance of listening, giving time to patients, respecting patients’ experiences, and understanding illness from a humanistic perspective. According to her, narrative ethics and medical narratives serve as essential methods for cultivating empathy and ethical sensitivity, as “narrative creates a voice.”

This session was followed by presentations on multimedia-based approaches to bioethics education, including the use of films, arts, and virtual reality. Participants also discussed the role of simulation in ethics education, which allows learners to engage with ethical dilemmas without compromising patient safety.

Interdisciplinary Learning and Ethical Reflection

The final day of the HELP Course featured interdisciplinary approaches to bioethics education delivered by three speakers. These interactive sessions encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and practical exercises addressing ethical challenges and moral education in university settings. Participants gained valuable insights into navigating ethical dilemmas within medical education while fostering professionalism and moral responsibility.

Through this course, CBMH FK-KMK UGM reaffirmed its commitment to advancing bioethics education as a foundation for ethical healthcare systems. By strengthening educators’ capacity in bioethics, the HELP Course contributes to building inclusive, ethical, and sustainable health and education institutions, in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Editor : Rafi

Learning Clinical Ethics: Upholding Human Dignity During Life and End-of-Life Care

On Wednesday, 15 May 2024, the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CBMH FK-KMK UGM), conducted the first day of a bioethics course with an in-depth focus on Clinical Ethics During Life and at the End of Life. The course was attended by healthcare professionals and academics who are keen to deepen their understanding of ethical issues in medical practice. This program aimed to enhance participants’ capacity to uphold human dignity in various clinical situations, both during life and in end-of-life care.

The first day of the course opened with a compelling session entitled “Preserving Human Dignity: During Life and Dying” delivered by Prof. Dr. Christantie Effendy, S.Kp., M.Kes. Participants were introduced to key concepts related to safeguarding human dignity under all circumstances, including during the dying process. Particular emphasis was placed on empathy, respect for patient autonomy, and honoring patients’ values and wishes.

The following session was led by Prof. dr. Moh. Hakimi, Sp.OG(K), Ph.D., who discussed ethical decision-making processes in clinical practice. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants gained deeper insights into how medical decisions should be made by carefully balancing ethical principles with patients’ best interests. This session highlighted the complexity of ethical dilemmas commonly faced in healthcare settings.

The importance of cultural competence in healthcare services in Indonesia became a central theme in the subsequent session. Participants were encouraged to recognize and respect cultural diversity as a crucial element in providing sensitive, ethical, and effective healthcare services for Indonesia’s pluralistic society. The course concluded with a session entitled “Truth Telling and Withholding Information”, led by Dr. dr. Nurnaningsih, Sp.A(K). This discussion explored ethical dilemmas surrounding information disclosure to patients, including when it is ethically appropriate to disclose the full truth and when withholding information may be justified. Participants were guided on navigating these complex situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and integrity.

Overall, this bioethics course contributed significantly to strengthening ethical awareness and practical skills among healthcare professionals. The program aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by promoting ethical, patient-centered healthcare, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, through capacity building and the reinforcement of ethical decision-making within healthcare institutions.

Editor : Rafi

CBMH FK-KMK UGM Hosts Angkringan Forum Highlighting the Open Science Movement

Yogyakarta — Limited access to scientific journals has long been a barrier for researchers and academics in obtaining high-quality scholarly resources. This challenge has fueled growing discourse on Open Science, a movement advocating for greater openness and accessibility in scientific knowledge. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a clear example of Open Science in practice, as many publishers temporarily opened free access to scientific journals. This was highlighted by Prof. dr. Gandes Retno Rahayu, M.Med.Ed., Ph.D., during the Angkringan HELP Course 3rd Series: Open Science and Ethics, held on Thursday, 24 August 2023.

While Open Science offers significant benefits for researchers and academics, it also presents a number of challenges. “A movement like this cannot be viewed from only one perspective; there will always be possible negative consequences,” Prof. Gandes emphasized.

She explained that appropriate controls are necessary to safeguard data and knowledge that are made openly accessible. In certain contexts, unrestricted openness may pose risks to human rights, security, personal privacy, sacred and confidential indigenous knowledge, and even the protection of endangered species. For this reason, UNESCO stresses that Open Science must be supported by adequate infrastructure, active engagement of social actors, and ongoing dialogue with diverse knowledge systems.

UNESCO has also outlined a set of core values and principles to guide the Open Science movement in a responsible and ethical manner. These values include quality and integrity, collective benefit, equity and fairness, and diversity and inclusiveness. The guiding principles further encompass transparency, scrutiny, critique, and reproducibility, equality of opportunity, responsibility, respect, and accountability, collaboration, participation, and inclusion, as well as flexibility and sustainability.

This discussion is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting equitable access to scientific knowledge and lifelong learning opportunities; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the development of open and inclusive research ecosystems; and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by strengthening transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in the production and dissemination of knowledge. By fostering dialogue on Open Science and ethics, CBMH FK-KMK UGM contributes to the advancement of a more inclusive, responsible, and sustainable global scientific community.

Editor : Rafi

Strengthening Ethical Research Practices: CBMH FK-KMK UGM Hosts HELP Course on Medical and Health Research

Yogyakarta — The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CBMH FK-KMK UGM), organized the HELP Training Program (Humanity–Ethics–Legal–Professionalism) under the theme “3rd Series – Medical/Health Research” from 23–25 August 2023. Held at The Atrium Hotel and Resort, the program was attended by participants from various cities across Indonesia, reflecting strong national interest in ethical issues surrounding health and medical research.

Over the course of three days, participants received comprehensive learning materials on research ethics delivered by distinguished speakers in the field of bioethics. Key topics included Introduction to Research Ethics, Basic Principles of Biomedical Ethics, Informed Consent in Research, Addressing Ethical Challenges in Health-Related Research, Applying Research Ethics in Practical Scenarios, International Guidelines, and Special Issues in Health-Related Research. These sessions equipped participants with both theoretical foundations and practical insights to navigate ethical complexities in research practice.

The HELP Course also emphasized the importance of ethical governance in research as a cornerstone of responsible scientific advancement. By strengthening participants’ understanding of ethical principles, regulatory frameworks, and international standards, the program aimed to promote research practices that prioritize human dignity, participant safety, and social accountability.

This initiative aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, which underscores the role of ethical research in improving health outcomes, and SDG 4: Quality Education, through capacity building and lifelong learning for researchers and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the focus on research ethics supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by reinforcing ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in scientific and health-related research.

Through the implementation of the HELP Course Series on Medical and Health Research, CBMH FK-KMK UGM reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ethically responsible research and fostering a culture of integrity within Indonesia’s healthcare and academic communities.

Highlighting Bioethics Education, CBMH FK-KMK UGM Conducts HELP Course Series 6 Course, HELP Course

Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH FK-KMK UGM) has successfully completed its regular HELP Course (Humanity–Ethics–Legal–Professionalism) Series 6, Batch 5, carrying the main theme “HELP Aspects in Medical Education.” The program was conducted over eight sessions, held from 30 August to 22 September 2022.

Delivered in a fully virtual format, the course was attended by participants from various backgrounds, including healthcare practitioners and professionals involved in medical education institutions. The diversity of participants enriched discussions and reflected the growing need for structured bioethics education across healthcare and academic settings.

As the organizing institution, CBMH FK-KMK UGM curated a range of essential topics in bioethics education. These included the fundamentals of teaching bioethics, strategies for bioethics instruction, assessment methods in bioethics education, development of teaching materials, and key ethical issues in higher education.

In addition to theoretical sessions, the course also featured two dedicated practical sessions, allowing participants to directly apply the knowledge and concepts they had acquired throughout the program.

Through the implementation of the HELP Course Series 6, CBMH FK-KMK UGM reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening capacity in bioethics education and supporting the development of educators and practitioners who are ethically grounded, professionally competent, and responsive to the evolving challenges of medical education.

Editor : Rafi

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

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]

Who Decides What Happens to Your Body? Raboan Talks About Family Roles in Medical Decisions During the Pandemic

Yogyakarta, June 4, 2025 – The weekly Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing returned on Wednesday with a meaningful discussion on real-life issues during the pandemic. Nathan Agwin Khenda, Ftr., M. Bio.Et., was the speaker, sharing insights on the topic: “Healthcare Workers’ Views on Family Involvement in Medical Decisions During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

Khenda explained that during the pandemic, many patients couldn’t make decisions about their medical treatment. Some were too sick, didn’t understand their condition, or needed urgent care. So, decisions were often made by family members, community leaders, or even doctors directly.

This shows how strong family and community culture is in Indonesia. Important decisions, especially in health, are often made together, not just by the patient alone. This is called “familial autonomy”, where families play a big part in choosing what happens in medical treatment.

Based on stories from two hospitals, Khenda shared how things like family relationships, cultural values, and emergency situations affect these decisions. In normal conditions, doctors will try to explain everything first to both patients and families. But in emergencies, they have to act fast to save lives.

“In crisis moments, doctors focus on doing what’s best for the patient (beneficence) and choosing actions with the least risk (minus mallum),” Khenda said.

This topic also connects to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 16 (Justice and Strong Institutions). A good healthcare system should not only have good equipment or doctors, it should also respect people’s rights and cultural values.

This Raboan session left us with a big question to think about: in serious situations, who really makes the final call about our body—us, our family, or someone else?

Reporter          : Ardhini Nugrahaeni, M.K.M.

Editor              : Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.

 

[easy_youtube_gallery id=2PoxzM5xMQg cols=1 ar=16_9 thumbnail=0 title=top]Otonomi Kekerabatan dalam Pengambilan Keputusan Tindakan Medis saat Pandemi COVID-19[/easy_youtube_gallery]