
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