Tag Archive for: SDGs 3

SIAP PEDULI: Strengthening Family Readiness in Chronic and Palliative Care

UNESCO CHAIR ON BIOETHICS - COMMUNITY SERVICE

Caring for a family member living with a chronic or palliative condition often places a significant emotional, physical, and social burden on families. Beyond understanding medical conditions, families are expected to provide continuous emotional support while ensuring that patients can continue to live meaningful daily lives. Unfortunately, limited access to information and practical skills often leaves families feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. This reality highlights the importance of educational and empowerment initiatives that enable families to become confident and capable primary caregivers.

In response 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 “SIAP PEDULI (Family Readiness Socialization for Chronic and Palliative Care)”. The activity was conducted on 25–26 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 caring for palliative patients.

The SIAP PEDULI program focused on providing practical and applicable knowledge that families and community members can directly implement in daily care. Key sessions included Education on the Role and Benefits of Indonesia’s National Health Insurance (BPJS Kesehatan) in Palliative Care, delivered by dr. Sumono Nurbadi Putranto; Hands-on Practice Using the PEKA Palliative Care Handbook, facilitated by Dr. Dra. Retna Siwi Padmawati, M.A.; and Activity and Mobilization Care Practice, guided by drg. Agnes Bhakti Pratiwi, M.P.H., Ph.D. together with Ardhini N., M.K.M. These sessions were designed to enhance families’ confidence in managing both the administrative and practical aspects of patient care.

Through SIAP PEDULI, families are expected to gain not only a better understanding of medical and healthcare system navigation, but also practical caregiving skills that support patients’ daily needs. The program also emphasized the importance of collaboration between families, community cadres, and healthcare professionals in delivering inclusive, continuous, and compassionate care for patients with chronic and life-limiting conditions.

This initiative aligns with the commitment of UGM and the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through strengthened family-based care capacity, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering synergy between academia, healthcare providers, and local communities. Through this collaborative approach, SIAP PEDULI serves not only as an educational program but also as a social movement contributing to improved quality of life for chronic and palliative patients within the community.

Editor : Rafi

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

Upholding Ethics in Health and Medical Research: HELP Course Batch 7 – 3rd Series

HELP COURSE BATCH 7 SERI 3 - BIOETIKA - ETIKA PENELITIAN

Yogyakarta, August 26, 2025 — Amid the rapid advancement of health and medical research, a fundamental question arises: how can research generate new knowledge while continuing to uphold human rights, dignity, and safety? This critical question formed the foundation of the HELP (Humanity–Ethics–Legal–Professionalism) Course Batch 7 – Third Series, which focused on the theme “Health and Medical Research.”

The HELP Course is a flagship educational program regularly organized by the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM). The course is open to healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds and aims to equip participants with both theoretical understanding and practical competencies in medical ethics and health humanities. Structured into six thematic series, the program is designed to be applicable not only in professional practice but also in the everyday ethical decision-making of healthcare professionals.

The third series was conducted online from 18–26 August 2025 and brought together participants from universities, hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies across Indonesia. The high level of participation reflected a growing awareness that high-quality research must go hand in hand with ethical integrity.

Over the course of seven days, the program featured leading experts in bioethics who delivered comprehensive sessions on a wide range of topics, including the history and importance of research ethics, responsible conduct of research, and ethical review processes by research ethics committees. Contemporary issues, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical research, were also critically examined. Participants further deepened their understanding of key international ethical standards, including the Declaration of Helsinki, the Belmont Report, and the CIOMS Guidelines.

Practical and context-specific ethical challenges were discussed extensively, covering issues such as informed consent, the involvement of vulnerable populations, data confidentiality and protection, biobank research ethics, and ethical considerations in social and health humanities research. The interactive discussions highlighted that ethics should not be viewed as a barrier to research, but rather as a foundation for producing knowledge that is responsible, just, and centered on humanity.

The course concluded with a post-test and collective reflection session. Beyond reinforcing ethical awareness at every stage of research, this series also contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through the promotion of safe and ethical health research, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration among academics, healthcare professionals, and research institutions nationwide.

With the completion of the HELP Course Batch 7 – Third Series, participants are expected to become agents of change, promoting ethical, responsible, and human-centered research practices in their respective institutions and professional environments.

Editor: Rafi

Strengthening Medical Ethics in Indonesian Healthcare Practice: HELP Batch 7 – 2nd Series

HELP COURSE BIOETIKA HUMANIORA MEDICAL ETHICS

Yogyakarta, 26 May 2025 — The Master’s Program in Bioethics, Universitas Gadjah Mada, through the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH UGM), successfully conducted the HELP Certified Training Program Batch 7 – Second Series, entitled “Basic Medical Ethics in Healthcare Practice”, from 19–26 May 2025. The program was delivered online via Zoom Meeting and formed part of UGM’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), by strengthening the ethical capacity of healthcare professionals in responding to contemporary challenges.

This series featured interdisciplinary experts from CBMH UGM, the Faculty of Medicine UGM, Universitas Sanata Dharma, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, and Dr. Sardjito General Hospital. The speakers delivered in-depth and practical sessions covering biomedical ethical principles, clinical empathy, socio-cultural dimensions of care, justice in healthcare, and digital ethics in modern health systems.

On the first day, Dr. Nur Azid Mahardinata, M.Bio.Et., opened the course by emphasizing the importance of integrating medical science with the humanities to understand patients holistically. Erlin Erlina, SIP, MA, Ph.D., highlighted socio-cultural dynamics in patient–healthcare provider relationships, while another session explored justice in healthcare resource allocation through locally grounded case studies.

The second day featured Dr. CB. Kusmaryanto, SCJ, who elaborated on the four core principles of bioethics—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—followed by Dr. dr. Ronny Triwirasto, Sp.KJ, who discussed ethical conflicts within healthcare teams from multidisciplinary perspectives.

On the third day, Dr. Indria Laksmi Gamayanti, M.Psi., Psychologist, underscored the role of clinical empathy in improving the quality of doctor–patient relationships. This was followed by sessions led by Dr. Wika Hartati, MIH, and Dr. Nur Azid Mahardinata, focusing on ethical considerations in healthcare policy and resource distribution.

The fourth day featured Prof. Syafaatun Almirzanah, Ph.D., D.Min., who highlighted the importance of cultural and religious sensitivity in healthcare practice, emphasizing that understanding patients’ spiritual backgrounds is essential for ethical decision-making. The discussion continued with drg. Agnes Bhakti Pratiwi, Ph.D., who stressed the need for ethical analysis in Indonesia’s public health system.

On the fifth day, Dr. CB. Kusmaryanto, SCJ, offered a constructive critique of Western principlism in bioethics, noting its limited applicability within local cultural contexts. Subsequently, Dr. dr. Darwito, Sp.B(K) Onk., addressed ethical challenges in teaching hospitals, including patient advocacy and the protection of patient rights in clinical education settings.

The program concluded on the sixth day with a session by Dr. Lutfan Lazuardi, Ph.D., who examined the ethical implications of digital transformation in healthcare, particularly the use of Artificial Intelligence and the importance of data protection in medical decision-making.

In addition to up-to-date and relevant content, participants received a certificate accredited by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, full course materials, and opportunities for credit transfer to the Master’s Program in Bioethics UGM. Participants came from diverse professional and regional backgrounds across Indonesia, including lecturers and educators in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, midwifery, and other health sciences; healthcare professionals from public and private hospitals; primary care providers; and private practitioners such as doctors and nurses. This diversity reflects the growing demand for contextual, inclusive, and sustainable medical ethics education in Indonesia.

For more information on upcoming programs, please visit bioethics.fk.ugm.ac.id or follow @cbmh_ugm on Instagram.

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