Makassar, July 16, 2025 – The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting improved healthcare services in Indonesia, particularly in the eastern region. This commitment was marked by a visitation from the Indonesian Ministry of Health team as part of the proposal to establish the Undergraduate Dentistry Program and the Professional Dentist Program within FKIK Unismuh Makassar.

The event, held at the FKIK Unismuh Makassar campus, was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, including Anna Kurniati, SKM., MA., Ph.D as Director of Human Resources for Health (SDMK), Dr. Akemat, S.Kep., M.Kep as Head of the Education Administration Division at the SDMK Education Center, along with two team members: Haryati, SKM., M.Pd and Andri Widayati, SKM. Also present at the event were the university’s leadership, including the Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. H. Gagaring Pagalung, M.Si., Ak., CA; Rector of Unismuh Makassar, Dr. H. Abdul Rakhim Nanda, S.T., M.T., IPU; the Vice Rectors; and directors of FKIK’s partner hospitals.

In her opening remarks, the Dean of FKIK Unismuh Makassar, Prof. Dr. dr. Suryani As’ad, M.Sc., Sp.GK(K), emphasized that the establishment of the Undergraduate Dentistry Program and the Professional Dentist Program is a part of the institution’s commitment to responding to real societal needs. “Based on the objective conditions and existing needs, FKIK Unismuh Makassar, through its vision and mission in medical and health education, must take an active role in addressing health problems, including dental health issues in eastern Indonesia. This initiative is intended to support and anticipate the improvement of healthcare services, both in general medicine and specifically in dental care,” she explained.

She further expressed her hope that the establishment of these programs would become a tangible step in producing competent and dedicated dentists who can contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of public health services. Before concluding her remarks, Prof. Suryani also extended her gratitude and appreciation to all those who had supported the initiative. “Thank you to the faculty leadership, the advisors from the Faculty of Dentistry at Hasanuddin University (FKG Unhas), and our partner hospitals who have continuously supported the establishment of this program,” she stated.

The event proceeded with a presentation by the Chair of the Task Force, drg. St. Maisarah, MARS, followed by a discussion and field visit by the visitation team to review the facilities prepared by FKIK Unismuh Makassar. The entire activity ran smoothly, filled with a spirit of collaboration, and is expected to be a promising start for the development of a high-quality dental education institution at Unismuh Makassar.