SIHI Indonesia at Universitas Gadjah Mada - Social Innovation in Health Initiatives

SIHI Indonesia at the Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada

The Indonesia Social Innovation in Health Hub, established in 2020 at the Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada, is committed to making social innovation accessible to all. Our mission is to inspire action and foster collaboration by introducing social innovation to broader audiences—including youth, communities, and decision-makers—empowering them to contribute to solutions for Indonesia’s health challenges. Through social innovation identification, youth engagement, and amplifying community voices, we aim to build a healthcare system shaped by innovative, locally-driven ideas that promote a healthier, more inclusive society.

OUR FOCUS

OUR ACTIVITIES

Discovering Social Innovations in Health Across Indonesia

From July to November 2021, SIHI Indonesia actively identified social innovations addressing: 1) health emergency response, 2) infectious disease control, and 3) primary healthcare and prevention. Through the SIHI Indonesia Crowdsourcing 2021 initiative, we reviewed 38 applications from across the country and selected nine promising social innovations. These innovators later participated in workshops and mentoring sessions to enhance their skills in documenting and disseminating their solutions.

In 2022, SIHI Indonesia continued collaborating with the selected innovations, encouraging youth to join the SIHI Indonesia Youth Competition and Ideathon 2022, where participants shared their visions for the future of health in Indonesia over the next decade.

Case study research

Currently, we are collaborating with Harapan Fian to develop a detailed case study of successful social innovation. This effort will expand to other selected innovations, providing comprehensive documentation of their impact and effectiveness.

Video Production

We have produced three videos highlighting the primary innovations identified through the SIHI Indonesia Crowdsourcing 2021, along with a recap of SIHI Indonesia’s activities from 2021-2022.

Building Research Capacity with Structured Mentorship

Partnering with TDR Global and our research center, we launched the Tropmed Mentorship Series. This program allows early-career researchers to engage with experts, supporting a structured mentorship environment that fosters research skills and innovation.

Strategic Collaborations

In 2023, we partnered with Indonesia’s Ministry of Health to launch a call for innovative solutions to tuberculosis (TB) as part of the 5th Indonesia Tuberculosis International Meeting (INA-TIME). The initiative received over 40 submissions, with three recognized as outstanding solutions to address TB challenges in Indonesia.

Since 2024, we have collaborated closely with TDR Global Asia to host the TDR Monthly Webinar Series. This platform shares insights on tropical disease research and related topics, such as social innovations in health, with a global audience, particularly engaging TDR Global members.

OUR EVENTS

SIHI Indonesia Crowdsourcing 2021

In 2021, SIHI Indonesia launched a crowdsourcing initiative to identify innovative, community-driven solutions for health challenges in Indonesia, focusing on health emergency response, infectious disease control, and primary healthcare. From 38 submissions, nine outstanding innovations were selected, each offering unique approaches to improving healthcare access and delivery. These initiatives participated in workshops and received mentorship to strengthen their documentation and outreach, setting the stage for broader impact. SIHI Indonesia continues to support these projects with ongoing mentorship, capacity-building, and advocacy, aiming to amplify their influence.

Access our report for SIHI Indonesia Crowdsourcing 2021 here.

SIHI Indonesia Youth Ideathon and Competition 2022

The SIHI Indonesia Youth Ideathon 2022 virtually engaged over 200 undergraduate students to inspire innovative solutions for pressing health issues, with a primary focus on maternal and child health. Open to diverse academic disciplines, the Ideathon began with online sessions on social innovation, followed by a three-day event where students, guided by mentors, developed practical solutions tailored to real community needs. Collaborating with Harapan Fian and SEKOCI, both identified in the 2021 Crowdsourcing initiative, ensured that these solutions were grounded in actual challenges. Alongside, a Youth Essay and Vlog Competition invited high school students to share visions for Indonesia’s healthcare future. Through these initiatives, SIHI Indonesia aimed to cultivate a culture of innovation, empowering youth to think critically about sustainable and accessible healthcare solutions. Access our highlight for SIHI Indonesia Youth Ideathon and Competition 2022 here.

Call for Innovative TB Solution at the 5th Indonesia Tuberculosis International Meeting (INA-TIME)

SIHI Indonesia, in partnership with TDR Global and the 5th INA-TIME conference, launched the Crowdsourcing for TB Elimination initiative to uncover innovative solutions for tuberculosis challenges. The call attracted 42 submissions, with 37 selected for presentation—23 as posters and 14 as oral presentations, including international contributions from the Philippines and Mozambique. During the event, 20 innovations were highlighted, with 10 showcased through oral presentations and 10 as posters. Following a thorough review, four projects stood out: AKSI GEULIS for comprehensive TB elimination in Bogor, PERLU TOSS TBC for localized TB communication materials, TTG Air Sterilization Technology for reducing airborne TB pathogens, and KOPI TUBRUK for remote TB consultation and detection. SIHI Indonesia’s initiative not only spotlighted effective TB solutions but also strengthened cross-sectoral collaboration in combating tuberculosis. For more details, you can access the 5th INA-TIME program book and refer to pages 188-210 to see the abstracts of these innovative solutions.

Social innovations in health in Indonesia

Harapan Fian

Sekolah Komplementer Cinta Ibu (SEKOCI)

Keran Air Siap Minum (KASM) Telaga

Watch the Social Innovation Films from Indonesia

ABOUT US

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Known as Donnie, is the Lead of SIHI Indonesia and a driving force in public health efforts across Indonesia. He currently serves as the Director of the Center for Tropical Medicine at Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Donnie has a medical background and furthered his studies with a Master’s in Public Health from Umeå University, Sweden, and a PhD in Public Health from Erasmus MC in the Netherlands. His dedication extends to being a part of the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health and the Field Epidemiology Training Program. Throughout his career, he has worked as a consultant, senior researcher, and advisor, bringing innovative solutions and practical insights to health challenges in Indonesia.

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Malida Magista, is the Hub Manager of SIHI Indonesia, she is a health communication specialist dedicated to advancing public health through innovative solutions. With a Master’s in Public Health from Washington University in St. Louis and a dentistry degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada, she combines research expertise with strategic communication. At the Center for Tropical Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Malida lead a knowledge translation and dissemination unit. Her work includes identifying social innovations, leading crowdsourcing efforts, and managing capacity-building and youth-focused events. Through podcasts, infographics, and films, she amplifies health messages with a focus on cultural relevance and evidence-based advocacy.

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Florisma Arista Riti Tegu is a dedicated Research Assistant at SIHI Indonesia, focusing on maternal and child health during the COVID-19 pandemic. She holds a Master’s degree in Pediatric Nursing from Universitas Gadjah Mada and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Saint Borromeus University. Her research includes studies on resilience among children of parents with disabilities during the pandemic and hypertension management in pregnant women. Arista has also contributed to research on neglected tropical and infectious diseases, including the development of the National Action Plan for Leprosy, pneumonia, and diarrhea, as well as conducting situation analyses of NTDs. With expertise in data management, analysis, and systematic review, she plays an active role in SIHI Indonesia’s efforts to support innovative health solutions and enhance public health outcomes through collaborative research projects.

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Mutiara Shinta Noviar Unicha is a dedicated Research Assistant at SIHI Indonesia, committed to advancing research in tropical medicine and infectious diseases. With a Master’s in Tropical Medicine from Gadjah Mada University and a Bachelor’s in Epidemiology from the University of Indonesia, Mutiara focuses on tuberculosis, HIV, and neglected tropical diseases. Her work at SIHI Indonesia includes data analysis, program coordination, and supporting innovative health solutions through systematic research. Previously, she has contributed to research projects at the HIV Integrated Centre of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, showcasing her skills in research design, data interpretation, and effective communication. Passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, Mutiara is driven to make a meaningful impact on public health in Indonesia.

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Komang Gde Ardi Pradnya Septiawan is a Research Assistant at SIHI Indonesia, specializing in health communication and public engagement. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science from Diponegoro University, he brings skills in media management, and storytelling to his role. At SIHI Indonesia, Komang plays a key role in crafting communication strategies, managing digital content, and supporting research documentation. He has successfully developed social media campaigns that amplify health innovations. With a passion for making health information clear and relatable, Komang is committed to driving meaningful impact through effective communication.

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Anggita Pratiwi is the Hub Administrator of SIHI Indonesia, bringing strong administrative and organizational skills to her role. With a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science from Diponegoro University, Anggita has experience coordinating research activities, managing project documentation, and ensuring effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders. Her responsibilities at SIHI Indonesia include facilitating research-related administration, reporting project progress, and managing financial records. Anggita’s commitment to supporting innovative health solutions is evident through her attention to detail and dedication to seamless project administration, making her an integral part of SIHI Indonesia’s operations.