UPCD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
2026 FKG UI Mid-Year Student Exchange Program
Universitas Indonesia
May 25 to June 5, 2026
Two students from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Dentistry, Florence Elise L. Bernardino and Kyla Cleneth M. Dumadag, embarked on a 12-day academic and cultural exchange program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia (FKG UI), the highest-ranked university in Indonesia, through the 2026 FKG UI Mid-Year Student Exchange Program.
Also joining the program were delegates from the University of Puthisastra, Cambodia, and the University of North Carolina, United States of America. The students received a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Lisa R. Amir, Dean of FKG UI; Prof. Dr. Citra Kusumasari, Associate Dean for Partnership and International Affairs; as well as other faculty and non-faculty staff, and students of FKG UI. The gathering marked the introduction to the faculty and the academic community, setting the stage for meaningful experiences and interactions throughout the program.
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to observe various specialty departments of the Universitas Indonesia Dental Hospital (RSKGM) FKG UI. The clinical exposure of the students included Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, Conservative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, and the Integrated Clinics. Although many of the procedures and concepts were familiar, seeing a different institution gave the two students a fresh perspective on clinical education and an opportunity to observe how other dental institutions approach learning and patient care. More than that, the students also had the opportunity to interact and observe fellow dental students who were navigating experiences similar to their own. This allowed them to appreciate the common experiences dental students are exposed to, while also recognizing their differences.
The delegates also toured the Universitas Indonesia Hospital (RSUI), the first State Higher Education General Hospital in Indonesia, which serves as both a primary teaching hospital and a public medical facility. Moreover, clinical observations were conducted in the Periodontics Department, where the residents presented their cases on Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR), under the supervision of Dr. Benso Sulijaya, a periodontist and professor at Universitas Indonesia. The students also attended a lecture by Dr. Aloysius Wijanarko and residents on Dental Radiology, wherein various cases were presented and discussed, particularly those involving dental implants. This allowed the students to gain insight into postgraduate clinical training and observe complex dental cases.
Beyond academic and clinical activities, the students also explored different parts of Jakarta and experienced Indonesian culture. They visited Aloha PIK 2, Chinatown PIK, and Old Town Jakarta, including the historic Cafe Batavia. They also visited Hometown, a well-known restaurant in Jakarta, Blok M Square, Museum Macan, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. Their cultural exploration also included visits to some of Jakarta’s most notable landmarks, such as Monumen Nasional (MONAS), Istiqlal Mosque, and Jakarta Cathedral. These excursions provided opportunities to experience Jakarta’s food, architecture, history, and culture while also spending meaningful time with their fellow exchange students.
The highlight of the exchange program was when the students participated in a community outreach program in Kampung Ilmu, Purwakarta, West Java, organized by the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia. The initiative focused on oral and general health promotion at the Kampung Ilmu community. The program was conducted in collaboration with several faculties of UI, including the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Economics and Business, and Faculty of Computer Science.
The students were also able to observe community-based activities, including oral health education for pregnant women and a lecture on how to be smart consumers. They also observed student clinicians from FKG UI provide oral health services to residents of Kampung Ilmu and elementary and high school students, including oral examinations and fluoride application.
This collaborative approach to the community program was a first-time experience for the UPCD students, and this became an opportunity to look at dentistry through a wider lens––extending beyond the clinics and classrooms, and into a broader interconnected global community. As stated by the founder of Kampung Ilmu, Prof. Imam Prasodjo, the goal was to create a community where everyone could come together to engage in a collaborative effort and support one another. Despite coming from different colleges and disciplines, the initiative sought to foster a sense of unity to serve the masses as one unified society, working collectively to address the healthcare needs of the people and contribute to the delivery of more holistic care. As he noted, “University, not diversity.”
The program concluded with a closing ceremony at FKG UI, where exchange students from the Philippines, the United States, and Cambodia presented their final reports and reflections on their 12-day experience at Universitas Indonesia. Following the presentations, certificates were awarded by the Dean of FKG UI, Prof. Dr. Lisa R. Amir, together with Prof. Dr. Citra Kusumasari and Prof. Dr. Diah Ayu Maharani.
The UPCD students are beyond grateful for the hospitality and meaningful learning experiences extended to them throughout their stay in Indonesia, especially to Ms. Siti Nadya Ulfa of the FKG UI Office of Partnerships and International Affairs, for her assistance throughout the program. They likewise extend their sincere appreciation to the UPCD Administration, particularly Dean Michelle Sunico Segarra, for their support and for providing the students with the opportunity to represent the Philippines and UPCD on the international stage with the global dental community.
– Florence Elise L. Bernardino and Kyla Cleneth M. Dumadag
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