Riau University (Unri) officially commenced the odd semester lectures of its Postgraduate Program by hosting a public lecture featuring the Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Benjamin Paulus Octavianus, Sp.P., FISR. Held at the Unri Student Center, this inaugural lecture raised the strategic theme of national health system transformation through innovation, research, and university collaboration.
In his presentation, Dr. Benjamin highlighted the importance of synergy between academia and the government to improve the health sector in Indonesia. In addition to discussing research integration, he also reviewed the community social welfare map and the relevance of government social security programs, such as the Family Hope Program (PKH), in supporting the quality of life and health of the wider community.
The Rector of Unri, Prof. Dr. Sri Indarti, S.E., M.Si., in her opening remarks emphasized that the transformation of the health system is an important pillar to realize a healthy, resilient, and competitive nation. She encouraged the new students to use the momentum of this public lecture to boost their enthusiasm for learning, critical thinking, and producing quality research capable of addressing national challenges.
This academic activity was also attended by the Acting Governor of Riau, Ir. SF Hariyanto, M.T., and a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Dr. Maharani, M.M. The Director of the Unri Postgraduate Program, Prof. Dr. Dr. Dedi Afandi, reported that in this odd semester of the academic year, the campus officially welcomed 357 new students who are ready to pursue higher education.
