MAKASSAR – The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) of Hasanuddin University (Unhas) held an audience with the Mayor of Makassar, Munafri Arifuddin, on Monday (15 June 2026). The meeting discussed preparations for the Asia-Pacific Regional Summit in Conjunction with the 3rd International Dental Summer Course 2026, which will be held together with the 9th Hasanuddin Dentistry Scientific Competition (HDSC) 2026 on 22–26 July 2026 in Makassar.
The FKG Unhas delegation was led by Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs drg. Acing Habibie Mude, Ph.D., Sp.Pros., Subsp.OGST(K). Also present were Head of the Undergraduate Dentistry Study Program drg. Zilal Islamy Paramma, Sp.Ort(K), Head of the International Class Management drg. Andi Sri Permatasari, Sp.KGA, and FKG Unhas lecturers drg. Andi Eka Asdiana Warti, M.Si. and drg. Filzah Azalia, M.Res.
The audience was also attended by Head of the Makassar City Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Office drg. Ita Isdiana Anwar, M.Kes, Secretary of the Makassar City Health Office dr. Ahmad Asy’ Arie, M.Kes, Head of the Maccini Sombala Community Health Center (Puskesmas) drg. Nasruddin, M.H.Kes, and representatives of FKG Unhas students.
At the meeting, drg. Acing Habibie Mude expressed hope that the Makassar City Government could provide support and officially welcome the international delegates who will take part in the event.
The international forum will be attended by participants from 17 countries: Pakistan, Algeria, Mongolia, Turkey, North Macedonia, France, Canada, Romania, Iraq, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Tunisia, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia.
“This is the largest international academic event organized by FKG Unhas in 2026. Besides featuring scientific discussions and capacity building for dental students, it also opens space for collaboration among academics, practitioners, and students from many countries,” said drg. Acing.
Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin welcomed the plan to hold the event. Munafri praised FKG Unhas for consistently bringing internationally standard academic forums to Makassar.
According to Munafri, such events not only enhance the reputation of educational institutions but also strengthen Makassar’s position as a city of education and a hub of global collaboration in eastern Indonesia.
“We fully support events like this. FKG Unhas has successfully organized international events several times that brought in participants from many countries. This is a source of pride for the City of Makassar,” said Munafri.
Munafri added that the presence of delegations from various countries will have a positive impact on promoting Makassar internationally while expanding cooperation networks in various fields.
On the same occasion, Munafri also encouraged FKG Unhas to continue and expand the reach of its community service and dental health care programs, particularly in island areas. Synergy between universities and local governments plays an important role in improving public health, especially for groups that still have limited access to health services.
Through the Asia-Pacific Regional Summit and the International Dental Summer Course 2026, FKG Unhas hopes to strengthen Makassar’s position as a center of international academic activity and expand the university’s contribution to the advancement of science, health care, and education diplomacy at the global level.(*/mjd/fkg/fjr)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.