UPCD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Universitas Indonesia
August 2-13, 2026
Incoming clinicians from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Dentistry, James Martin M. Manalo, Janina D. Matubis, and Jeryll Charlize C. Viray, participated in a 12-day Summer Course Program in Universitas Indonesia, (FKG UI), the highest-ranked university in Indonesia.
The program, entitled “Uniting Global Expertise with Indonesian Heritage: A Collaborative Vision for Dental Excellence,” provided an enriching experience that combined clinical learning with cultural immersion.
A LOOK INTO INDONESIAN DENTAL EDUCATION
The program commenced with a warm welcome reception at the Salemba Campus, beginning with a brief campus tour and culminating in a clinical tour of the various sections of the university’s dental hospital.
The exchange students were divided into small groups, where clinicians from FKG UI enthusiastically engaged with them, answering their questions and sharing valuable insights into the clinical practices and facilities of the institution.
On the second day, the exchange students were given the chance to visit Dentsply Sirona Indonesia where the advances on digital dentistry, especially in Computer-Assisted Imaging (CAI), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), were presented.
On the following day, the students were toured at the FKG UI Depok Campus, including the Dental Department of Rumah Sakit Universitas Indonesia (RSUI). The department offers a wide range of services across various dental specialties, with notable expertise in Aesthetic Dentistry, Halitosis Care, the Temporomandibular Disease Center, the Cleft Lip and Palate Center, Implant Dentistry, and Special Needs Dental Services.
After the hospital tour, the students visited the Dental Materials and Oral Biology Laboratories at the UI Health Sciences Center, where they gained a deeper understanding of various dental materials, laboratory equipment, and microbiological experiments. These hands-on observations along with the comprehensive discussions of the professors allowed the students to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application— to visualize concepts previously encountered in the classroom.
During the fourth day at Salemba Campus, the students attended two lectures delivered by distinguished professors from FKG UI.
The first, entitled “Development of Dental Material Science in the Modern Era,” was delivered by Prof. Dr. drg. Yosi Kusuma Eriwati, M.Si. The session explored recent advancements in dental materials in Indonesia, with particular emphasis on the chameleon effect being investigated by UI researchers. This phenomenon refers to the ability of a single-shade resin to blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure through light reflection and structural coloration, particularly in nanofilled compositeresin restorations. This demonstrates how advances in material science continue to enhance the esthetic potential of restorative dentistry in Indonesia.
The second lecture attended by the exchange students, entitled “Root Canal Therapy: Advancement in Rotary Endodontic Treatment for More Efficient Treatment,” was delivered by Dr. drg. Shalina Ricardo, Sp.K.G., Subsp.K.E. The session revisited the fundamental principles of endodontic treatment while highlighting advances in rotary instrumentation that improve treatment efficiency while preserving the natural anatomy of the root canal system.
EXPERIENCING THE INDONESIAN CULTURE
Beyond the academic setting, the students were immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia throughout their stay. One of the program’s key objectives was to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the country’s diverse culture and traditions.
This objective was brought to life through museum tours and visits to renowned destinations across Indonesia where the students gained firsthand insight into the country’s history, heritage, and contemporary culture.
The program offered a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences. The students explored destinations such as PIK By The Sea, Batavia PIK, Pantjoran, Blok M, UP at Thamrin, MONAS, Taman Safari in Bogor, and Bandung which offer a different glimpse into the country’s vibrant identity.
Their cultural immersion was further enriched through opportunities to learn an Indonesian dance and experience a traditional musical instrument.
The highlight of the cultural immersion was undoubtedly the visit to Saung Angklung Udjo, where the students witnessed a vibrant showcase of Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage. Young Indonesian students performed traditional dances representing various provinces across the country, accompanied by the distinctive melodies of the Angklung.
The exchange students were then invited to participate in the performance by learning how to play the Angklung. Beyond the performances, the activity offered the students a glimpse into Indonesia’s warm and welcoming culture while showcasing the remarkable diversity and richness of its traditional music and dance.
FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS
Together, these experiences allowed the students to appreciate Indonesia beyond its academic and clinical landscape, providing meaningful opportunities to engage with its people, traditions, history, and evolving cultural identity. The cultural activities complemented their academic and clinical learning, making the exchange experience both educational and personally enriching. Participating in this summer course program allowed the students to appreciate both the similarities and differences in the dental education and practice of Indonesia and the Philippines.
Furthermore, the students were particularly fulfilled with the introduction ofthe concept of dental hospitals, as it is relatively uncommon in the Philippines. Having been introduced to dental hospitals, the students gained a new perspective on the delivery of dental care.
The summer course program ended with a closing ceremony at the Salemba campus where exchange students from the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, and India performed a traditional dance and presented their final reports and reflections on the program. They also had the opportunity to perform songs and dances as well as share food and delicacies from their respective countries, further fostering cultural appreciation and camaraderie among all the participants.
Lastly, certificates and tokens were then awarded by the Dean of FKG UI, Prof. Dr. Lisa R. Amir and Prof. Dr. Citra Kusumasari.
The UPCD students, James, Janina, and Charlize, express their deepest gratitude for the meaningful learning and cultural exchange with the students from Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, and India. They are truly thankful to Ms. Siti Nadya Ulfa of the FKG UI Office of Partnerships and International Affairs, for her unwavering guidance and assistance since the first day the students arrived in Indonesia until the very last.
The students also convey their sincerest gratitude to the UPCD Administration, especially to Dean Michelle Sunico Segarra, for her steadfast support and for providing them with the opportunity to represent the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry internationally. This experience allowed them to engage with the international dental community, broaden their perspectives, and foster meaningful connections beyond the Philippines.
by James Manalo, Janina Matubis & Charlize Viray
#SDG3 #SDG4 #SDG17 #FP4Education for the University #UPManila #HigherEducation #UPManilafortheSDGs
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