Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a two-day intensive course titled “Leadership in Implementation Science” on 16–17 October 2025. This course was part of the GENERAP PREP Workshop (Pilot Program), designed to enhance participants’ understanding of leadership within the context of implementation research and evidence-based policy. The course began with Opening Remarks from Prof. Yodi Mahendradhata, who emphasized the role of leadership in advancing health research and improving global health systems. Following this, Prof. Elsa Herdiana Murhandarwati led the Orientation and Morning Coffee session, introducing participants to the course structure and facilitating a baseline assessment.
The morning continued with sessions led by dr. Haryo Bismantara, MPH, who discussed Fundamentals of Leadership covering leadership principles, styles, and self-awareness—and Organizational Culture, which highlighted the importance of developing adaptive, supportive, and ethical work environments. Next, Prof. Yodi Mahendradhata presented Understanding Research and Evidence-Based Decision Making, stressing the use of data and research evidence to guide effective leadership actions.
After the lunch break, Dewi H. Susilastuti, Ph.D. delivered two key sessions: Community Entry / Consultative Approach & Cross-Cultural Adaptation, emphasizing culturally sensitive community engagement, and Crisis Management & Conflict Resolution, exploring techniques for handling disagreement and uncertainty effectively. The day concluded with a Discussion and Case Study session led by Dr. Susilastuti, allowing participants to apply theoretical frameworks to practical leadership challenges.
The second day opened with a Recap Session by Prof. Elsa Herdiana Murhandarwati, summarizing the previous day’s insights. This was followed by Dr. dr. Ida Safitri Laksanawati, Sp.A(K), who delivered Integrity and the Role of a Leader, underlining accountability and ethics as central elements of leadership in health systems. The next sessions, led by Prof. Ari Probandari, explored Oral/Written Communication through interactive role-play exercises on stakeholder mapping, engagement strategies, and the use of social media. Prof. Ari then continued with Mentorship and Re-integration, focusing on peer support and sustainable leadership development.
After lunch, Prof. Yodi Mahendradhata discussed Good Practice in Grant/Program Management, highlighting the principles of transparency and efficiency in managing research resources. Dr. Dra. Retna Siwi Padmawati, MA, followed with Issues of Harassment about Prevention of Harassment and Exploitation, advocating for safeguarding, confidentiality, and survivor-centered approaches in professional and academic environments.
The course concluded with a Cultural Performance, Reflection, and Closing Session, facilitated by Prof. Elsa Herdiana, Prof. Ari Probandari, and Dr. Retna Siwi Padmawati. Participants reflected on their learning experiences and received certificates in recognition of their participation and leadership growth. This Leadership in Implementation Science course directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By integrating principles of ethical leadership, gender sensitivity, and data-driven decision-making, FK-KMK UGM fosters a new generation of global health leaders committed to building equitable, resilient, and sustainable health systems worldwide.
Writer: Fikri Wahiddinsyah