Beneath the Jakarta sun, Gedung A FKMUI stands as a pillar of public health education. The story of Gedung A FKMUI is deeply intertwined with the history of public health in Indonesia. Let’s explore its significance.
FKM UI or Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat Universitas Indonesia began its journey in response to critical health challenges. The 1920s and 30s saw outbreaks of smallpox and cholera. Infant mortality rates were alarmingly high. The Dutch colonial government initiated efforts like training traditional birth attendants. However these efforts faced sustainability issues due to a shortage of trainers.
In 1851, Dr. Bosch established Sekolah Dokter Jawa which later became STOVIA. By 1947 it transformed into Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Indonesia. These institutions played a crucial role in producing medical professionals who advanced public health.
Recognizing the need for specialized expertise in public health, Dokter Mochtar proposed establishing a dedicated faculty. Sadly he passed away in a plane crash in 1961 before realizing his vision. His successor, Dokter Sajono Sumodidjojo, pursued this idea. He presented the proposal to the Rector of Universitas Indonesia, Sjarif Thajeb and the WHO representative in Indonesia.
Finally in 1965, the Faculty of Public Health was established under Universitas Indonesia. A preparatory committee was formed with representatives from FK UI, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Department of Manpower. Dokter Sajono Sumodidjojo was appointed as its first dean.
The initial goals of FKM UI were clear. It aimed to produce trained health personnel for public health services. It also sought to develop faculty for higher education institutions. FKM UI provided specialized education in public health. This was for graduates from various fields such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy and engineering. It offered advanced education for paramedics.
Initially FKM UI shared resources with the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at FKUI. Classes were held in the Gedung Mikrobiologi Kesehatan Masyarakat FK UI on Jalan Pegangsaan Barat 16. Despite limited resources, the faculty strived to develop FKM UI to address public health challenges in Indonesia.
At first, FKM UI only accepted students from health-related backgrounds. These included graduates from faculty-level programs such as medicine and academy-level programs. The duration of education was initially one year. Later it was extended to two years for students with an academy background. Prominent lecturers included Prof Dr Sajono, Prof Dr Bagiastra and Dr Herman Soesilo.
In 1972, Universitas Indonesia formed a core staff for FKM UI to boost its development. Around 1971, the Health Education Manpower Development Project was initiated with support from WHO and USAID. This project aimed to strengthen FKM UI by training specialists in health education.
By September 1972, a five-year development plan for FKM UI was completed. Construction of the FKMUI building on Jalan Proklamasi 16 progressed. On June 16, 1973, the building was inaugurated by UI Rector Prof DR Ir Soemantri Brodjonegoro. It was named Gedung Mochtar to honor the founder of FKM UI.
In the late 1980s FKM UI began offering an undergraduate program in public health for high school graduates. The program spanned four years. In the mid-1990s, the Faculties of Public Health Development Project was established. FKM UI served as a mentor.
Today FKM UI continues to strengthen its role in public health. It offers opportunities for high school and diploma graduates to pursue education at the institution. Gedung A FKMUI remains a place of learning and innovation. It shapes future leaders in public health.