Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Center Universitas Hasanuddin
Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) has played a significant role in expanding access to healthcare through the provision of medical and specialist services in various regions in collaboration with various institutions.
At the local level, UNHAS has worked closely with the Government of Kutai Kertanegara to address the shortage of medical specialists at RSUD Dayaku Raja, not only to strengthening but also to embedding sustained healthcare delivery for the community The Faculty of Public Health has also formalized partnerships with the Health Office of Central Mamuju and STIKES Baramuli to enhance community health research and improve laboratory management. Similarly, the Faculty of Dentistry and its teaching hospital have collaborated with RSUD Andi Makkasau in Parepare, to ascertain specialist dental students to continuously deliver essential oral health services directly to the public
At the national level, UNHAS extended its second contribution through collaboration with PT Bio Inti Agrindo (BIA) in Merauke, South Papua. This program, which had long been managed by Korean doctors, is now continued by UNHAS medical doctors. This program demonstrated UNHAS capability to deliver quality healthcare services including general medicine, maternal and child health, oral care, and treatment for chronic diseases — to remote communities in the region
At the global level, the Faculty of Medicine strengthened its international engagement by partnering with the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA), formalized through a collaborative agreement signed during AMDA’s 40th Anniversary International Conference. This partnership emphasizes the development of human resources and joint community service initiatives, underscoring UNHAS’ commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and professional capacity not only across Indonesia but also throughout Asia and beyond.
Hasanuddin University, through its faculties, study programs, student associations, and professional organizations, maintains a strong commitment to advancing public health and community well-being. Among its various initiatives, particular emphasis has been placed on sustained promoting oral and dental health through education, outreach, and the delivery of essential health services to diverse communities.
Strengthening its community engagement, a team of lecturers from the Faculty of Dentistry of Hasanuddin University conducted an oral health education and dental check-up program for schoolchildren in Gowa. This program was designed continuously (way back 5 years) to assist local partners in revitalizing the School Dental Health Program (UKGS) and the Community Dental Health Program (UKGM) through socialization, training, organizational mentoring, and the provision of oral and dental healthcare services. In addition, the team facilitated the installation of clean water facilities powered by renewable energy sources, reflecting the integration of health promotion with sustainable development efforts.
The Faculty of Dentistry, in collaboration with the Hasanuddin University Dental and Oral Teaching Hospital (RSGMP), also carries out a series of community outreach programs aimed at improving oral health awareness and strengthening preventive practices. These activities include oral health education, hands-on training, mentoring, and the provision of free dental services for underserved populations. In commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Faculty of Dentistry and RSGMP organized a social service event as part of the 2024 National Dental Health Month (BKGN). The program included dental examinations and oral health education tailored to the needs of various disability communities, including the Down’s Syndrome Community (KOADS), Autism Community of Makassar (KOAM), Indonesian Deaf Welfare Movement (GERKATIN), Indonesian Blind Union (PERTUNI), Movement for Disability and Welfare (PERDIK), and the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities (PPDI). Pediatric dentistry specialist students provided oral examinations for 30 participants from these communities, followed by targeted oral health education sessions based on their specific needs.
Complementing these health initiatives, the Faculty of Nursing, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), organized a Basic Training for Community Health Cadres for 30 refugees residing in Makassar. The training aimed to build health leadership and strengthen community-based healthcare capacity among refugee populations, focusing on hygiene promotion, disease prevention, and primary health education.
Moreover, Hasanuddin University has implemented a series of outreach programs that address various aspects of public health, including hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health, disease prevention, physical fitness, and community empowerment. The following activities reflect the university’s broad engagement and contribution to community well-being:
Conducted by the Faculty of Pharmacy through its Microbiology and Pharmaceutics Laboratories, this program at SMA Negeri 6 Makassar educated students on the responsible selection and use of skincare products. The activity promoted awareness of healthy skin practices and encouraged a more natural and responsible approach to personal care.
Organized by the Faculty of Medicine during Unhas Car Free Day under the theme “Healthy Mothers, Smart Children Towards Golden Indonesia 2045.” This initiative focused on promoting family health awareness and contributing to the national agenda of reducing stunting prevalence in Indonesia.
The Epidemiology Student Association (Himapid) of the Faculty of Public Health conducted TB education and non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings at Unhas Car Free Day and the student dormitory (Ramsis). The activity increased public understanding of TB prevention and promoted early detection of NCDs within the community.
The Diploma in Nursing Study Program, in collaboration with Tamalanrea Jaya Health Services and the local Health Office, organized sessions on anemia prevention through iron supplementation, breast self-examination (BSE), and strategies to prevent cyberbullying among adolescents.
The Indonesian Society of Anesthesiology for Pain Management (ISAPM), in collaboration with Hasanuddin University Hospital (RSP Unhas), provided free medical services on July 14, 2024, offering treatment for musculoskeletal complaints such as muscle, knee, shoulder, and bone pain. This activity expanded access to healthcare for communities in need.
Through the Community Service Student Creativity Program (PKM-PM), Hasanuddin University implemented a project titled “Tiny Wellness Guardian: Optimizing the Independence of Students with Disabilities as Young Health Ambassadors” at SLB Negeri 1 Makassar. The program trained children with disabilities in first aid, personal hygiene, physical fitness, waste management, emotional regulation, and confidence building—empowering them to become active advocates for healthy living within their communities.
The Sport, Art, and Culture (SPACE) Park of Hasanuddin University is a public open space that promotes a healthy, creative, and inclusive lifestyle. Designed not only for students, the area is freely accessible to the general public who wish to engage in sports, arts, or cultural activities.
Equipped with various facilities such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, futsal, hockey, and archery courts, a jogging track, swimming pool, outdoor fitness area, and the JK Arenatorium Sports Hall, Space Park has become one of UNHAS’ landmarks and a vibrant hub for sports, arts, and cultural events.
The facilities are frequently used by the public for recreation and even national-level sports events, while also serving as a green and community-friendly open space. The establishment of SPACE Park reflects UNHAS’ commitment to promoting physical health, creativity, and social interaction for all.
In addition to the SPACE Park, almost every faculty within Hasanuddin University provides similar facilities to support students’ talents and interests, reinforcing UNHAS’ position as a healthy, inclusive campus with comprehensive and accessible facilities.
Hasanuddin University, through its Faculty of Public Health, has established the Information and Counseling Center “Health Education of Reproductive Teenagers” (PIK HEART) since 2015. This initiative was developed as a proactive response to the growing need for accessible, youth-friendly services that promote reproductive health awareness, family life planning, and positive lifestyle choices among adolescents. PIK HEART serves as a platform where students and young people can obtain accurate information, engage in open discussions, and receive counselling support in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Importantly, PIK HEART services are freely accessible to all Hasanuddin University students, ensuring that every young person on campus has the opportunity to receive guidance and education related to reproductive health and overall well-being without financial barriers.
In 2024, the PIK HEART management team participated in an Interpersonal Communication (KAP) Training, supported by the Public Health Portal (Portkesmas) and UNICEF Indonesia. This program aimed at enhancing their capacity to deliver effective peer education and counselling. Through this training, participants developed stronger communication and facilitation skills, particularly in leading group education sessions on adolescent reproductive health. Beyond technical knowledge, the program also prepared students to navigate social interactions within the campus and broader community, fostering confidence, empathy, and leadership among young health advocates committed to promoting a healthy and informed student environment.
Hasanuddin University has shown a strong commitment to supporting student mental health and well-being through the establishment of the Hasanuddin University Psychological Service Center (Pusat Layanan Psikologi Unhas), which has been operating since 2013. The center provides various psychological services, both for individuals and organizations, free of charge. Its services include counseling, psychological assessments, and consultations designed to strengthen emotional resilience and promote academic success among students and the broader university community.
In addition to the Psychological Service Center, UNHAS actively promotes mental health awareness and preventive education through a variety of programs. One of these is the “Mantap Jiwa” (Mahasiswa Unhas Sehat Pikiran dan Jiwa) initiative launched by the Hasanuddin University Teaching Hospital (RSP Unhas). The program focuses on mental health screening and education for students from all faculties, conducted in rotation every month. Through these activities, students are encouraged to recognize mental health issues early and to develop effective strategies for managing their well-being.
The Career Center of the Directorate of Student Affairs also organized a Career Talk titled “Self–Care Strategies for Students: Maintaining Mental Health Amidst a Busy Study Schedule.” The event, which was attended by more than 130 participants, encouraged students to become more aware of their mental health and to maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal care. Through these initiatives, Hasanuddin University continues to promote a holistic approach to student development that nurtures intellectual, emotional, and psychological growth.
Since 2018, Hasanuddin University has enforced a Smoke-Free Policy, which was subsequently revised in 2024 to better align with the evolving campus environment and public health standards. This policy stipulates that all university areas must remain entirely free from smoking activities, including the production, sale, advertising, and promotion of tobacco products. To reinforce this commitment, each faculty and major campus facility has installed a campaign of “No Smoking Area” (Figure 1).
Figure 1. “No Smoking Area”
Beyond internal enforcement, Hasanuddin University also actively promotes smoke-free environments within the broader community. Through the Hasanuddin Center for Tobacco Control and Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention, the university continuously conducts awareness campaigns about Smoke-Free Zones (Kawasan Tanpa Rokok – KTR) in Makassar. A notable initiative includes webinars that engage educators and academic institutions to enhance their understanding of strategies for ensuring compliance with smoke-free regulations in educational settings.
UNHAS Directorate of Human Resources launched the “UNHAS Sehat” (Healthy UNHAS) program in 2022 as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting the well-being of academic and administrative staff. One of the key components of this initiative is the provision of regular medical check-ups, which include mental health for all lecturers and staff members. The program not only emphasizes disease prevention through health education and promotion but also ensures easy and affordable access to high-quality medical services across the university community.
In addition to preventive health measures, the Directorate of Human Resources also organizes Mental Health and Mental Block Training sessions to enhance staff productivity and support the creation of a healthy and high-performing workforce. The training covers a range of topics, including personal growth and overcoming fixed mindsets, mental health for performance improvement, overcoming mental blocks in the workplace, maintaining work–life balance, fostering professional ethics, and developing a service-oriented attitude.