Unhas-US Embassy Partnership Targets Global Health Capacity in Eastern Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Hasanuddin University (Unhas) is strengthening its role in global health by partnering with the U.S. Embassy to Indonesia to expand research and human resource development, particularly in eastern Indonesia.

Unhas Rector Jamaluddin Jompa said the collaboration focuses on improving preparedness for disease threats and strengthening public health systems that can adapt to global dynamics. He noted that universities play a key role as producers of knowledge, innovation, and skilled human resources.

Unhas is also placing planetary health as a core pillar in future collaborations, emphasizing the link between human health, the environment, and sustainable development, which requires cross-sector and interdisciplinary efforts.

Jompa said the university aims to act as a bridge to integrate policy, research, and program implementation, particularly to enhance eastern Indonesia’s contribution to the global health agenda.

“Through various strategic programs, Unhas is committed to maximizing its contribution,” he said on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He also stressed the need to address the imbalance in research development, which has largely been concentrated on Java, adding that stronger international collaboration is key to expanding Indonesia’s role in the global academic ecosystem.

Meanwhile, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires ad interim Peter M. Haymond said the partnership has a clear direction, with priority programs ready for implementation and a focus on long-term impact and sustainability.

“Unhas has the capacity to act as a driving force that can involve other universities. We see great potential for Unhas to lead collaboration and become a reference point for academic research in the region,” he said.

A key pillar of the partnership is continued collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, particularly through the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), which has helped produce skilled epidemiologists and strengthen Indonesia’s public health response capacity.

The cooperation also includes developing grant schemes to encourage partnerships between U.S. institutions and universities, with Unhas positioned as a central hub to expand collaboration networks. ***