UNDIP, Semarang (September 11, 2025) – The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro (FK UNDIP) held an audience with the Governor of Jawa Tengah, Komjen Pol (Purn) Drs. Ahmad Luthfi, S.H., S.St.M.K., to discuss evidence-based efforts to address maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the province. The meeting took place at the Jawa Tengah Governor’s Office in Semarang on Thursday (September 11, 2025). The event was attended by the Dean of FK UNDIP, Dr. dr. Yan Wisnu Prajoko, M.Kes., Sp.B., Subsp.Onk(K), alongside Co-Director WHO Collaboration Center for Research and Training in Maternal and Newborn Health, Prof Charles Anawo Ameh, Ph.D. The committee also invited the Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Program, Dr. dr. Ratnasari DC, M.Si.Med;, Head of the Pediatrics Program, Dr. dr. Moh Syarofil Anam, M.Si.Med.; and obstetrician dr. Putri Sekar Wiyati, Sp.OG(K).
Dean of FK UNDIP, dr. Yan Wisnu Prajoko stated that the audience was part of FK UNDIP’s support for the existing health programs of the Jawa Tengah government. One of the faculty’s key initiatives is reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Brebes Regency, Jawa Tengah.
“We want to support the Governor’s programs, particularly on this issue. In Jawa Tengah, the maternal and infant mortality rates are still below the national level. This also aligns with the Governor’s program, Spelling (Spesialis Keliling),” said dr. Yan.
The maternal mortality reduction program is expected to expand beyond Brebes to other areas. As an academic institution, FK UNDIP will help identify the root causes of the problem in each region.
“It won’t stop in Brebes. We plan to move into other areas based on input from the Jawa Tengah Health Office. Each region has its own specific challenges, and this is where we, as academics, will step in to identify these specifics and find solutions,” said dr. Ratnasari DC. She added that FK UNDIP has been assisting in addressing maternal and neonatal mortality issues, including the development of a milestone roadmap for reducing maternal mortality in Indonesia for 2026–2030.
Prof. Charles Anawo Ameh emphasized the importance of obtaining real evidence from implemented research practices. While supporting data may exist, in some cases, the evidence has not yet shown a significant impact. He stressed that understanding the contextual factors of health cases is crucial.
“It is important to gather evidence on what actually works in practice. The evidence may exist, but in some situations, it does not translate into the impact we expect,” Prof. Ameh said.
In response, Governor Ahmad Luthfi explained that the mobile specialists program still faces challenges due to the lack of participating specialist doctors. With support from FK UNDIP, he hopes the program can run more effectively and benefit the public.
“The main obstacle is the shortage of specialists. That’s why we are asking for help from universities that have specialist doctors to be involved in thematic community service programs,” said the Governor.
The head of the Jawa Tengah Health Office expressed hope that the collaboration with FK UNDIP will significantly reduce maternal mortality in Jawa Tengah, as solving this issue requires contributions from both the provincial government and the community. “This is about prevention so we can reduce maternal and neonatal mortality,” she said.
This initiative also reflects UNDIP’s commitment, “Noble and Valuable,” in support of the Ministry’s “Diktisaitek Berdampak” program. (FK UNDIP PR Team, ed. Ut)