Prof. MK Tadjudin Auditorium, UIN News Online – The Faculty of Medicine at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta has launched a one-month student exchange program focusing on healthcare research. The opening ceremony was held at the Prof. MK Tadjudin Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, on Monday, August 3, 2026.

The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. dr. Achmad Zaki, M.Epid., Sp.OT., FICS., along with research supervisors Dr. Zeti Harriyati, Chris Adhiyanto, Ph.D., drg. Laifa A. Hendarmin, Ph.D., Gema Puspasari, Ph.D., and Nurin Nadzifatil Fitriyah, M.Biomed.

International exchange students participating in the program included Hana Hatem Eliwa from the Faculty of Medicine at Mansoura University, Egypt, Lina El Hamoumi from the Faculty of Medicine at Complutense University of Madrid, originally from Morocco, and Kercie Kenta Igiraneza, a medical student from Burundi.

In his welcoming remarks, Dean Achmad Zaki explained that the exchange program was intended to help participants become acquainted with one another, exchange cultures, and expand their international networks. He also introduced several distinctive aspects of Indonesian culture, including its spicy cuisine and tourist destinations.

“We also hope that this visit will be meaningful and that you will produce an academic output from your study here. Perhaps you will write a research article together with our professors. We also hope that, in the future, we can develop prospective joint research between our faculty and your respective universities,” he said.

The program was officially inaugurated through a symbolic tumpeng-cutting ceremony, introducing the international students to one of Indonesia’s cultural traditions.

Gema Puspasari, Ph.D., welcomed the participants, introduced the Faculty of Medicine at UIN Jakarta, and explained the activities they would undertake during the program. She also introduced the research supervisors who would assist Hana and Lina throughout their studies.

“Here, we will discuss diabetes and metabolic disorders. In principle, your research will examine mitochondrial conditions associated with diabetes,” she explained.

The research supervisors further explained that the international students would learn various healthcare research methods at the Faculty of Medicine during weekdays. Academic and laboratory activities would be complemented by field trips on weekends.

Hana Hatem Eliwa, an international student from Mansoura University, said that UIN Jakarta’s research opportunities and Indonesia’s cultural diversity had influenced her decision to select the university as her exchange destination.

“I was very interested in studying in Indonesia and experiencing such an excellent research program. I look forward to gaining new experiences, understanding different healthcare systems and cultures, and learning new skills from Indonesian doctors. I will be staying here for four weeks,” she said.

Meanwhile, Lina El Hamoumi, an international student from Complutense University of Madrid, stated that she selected UIN Jakarta because of her interest in studying diabetes.

“I came to Indonesia, specifically Jakarta, to participate in a one-month research exchange. I will study genetic variations among three groups of Indonesian people and investigate whether those variations are associated with diabetes. I chose Indonesia because I believe it is a remarkable country,” she said.

She also described Indonesia as a beautiful country with abundant natural scenery.

“It is a very beautiful country with a lot of nature. I also wanted to learn more about Indonesian culture. I thought this program would be a great opportunity to experience a different culture while expanding my knowledge of medicine,” she added.

The one-month exchange program provides international students with academic and research facilities to study healthcare issues, particularly mitochondrial conditions associated with diabetes. Research and academic activities are scheduled from Monday to Thursday, while cultural visits and field trips will take place during weekends.

(MA/NIS)