Makassar – The Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health (FKM), Hasanuddin University held a Guest Lecture themed “Translation Research into Health Policy” on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The event was part of the series marking the 44th Dies Natalis of the Hasanuddin University FKM, featuring Prof. Asnawi Abdullah, S.KM., MHSM., M.Sc., HPPF., DLSHTM., Ph.D., Head of the Health Development Policy Agency (BKPK) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, as the speaker.
In his remarks, Mr. Ansariadi, SKM., M.Sc.PH., Ph.D., said the Guest Lecture is part of the series celebrating the 44th Dies Natalis of FKM Unhas. He also stressed the importance of publication, which Hasanuddin University continues to encourage.
“Today’s Guest Lecture is part of the celebration of the 44th Dies Natalis of FKM UH,” said Mr. Ansariadi.”
In the main session, Prof. Asnawi discussed the importance of translating research findings into health policy. In Prof. Asnawi’s view, it is not enough for research to be published; it must be communicated to policymakers so that it can have real impact.
“Research has impact when it is communicated to policymakers,” Prof. Asnawi stressed.
Prof. Asnawi highlighted the gap between research and policy. In the presentation, Prof. Asnawi noted that only about 6% of research findings can be used for policy. One of the obstacles is a lack of connection between researchers or the campus and policymakers. For this reason, researchers need to understand the policymaking process and the problems they study in depth so that their recommendations hit the mark.
Prof. Asnawi also explained the importance of policy modeling in estimating the impact of policies before they are implemented. Modeling allows policymakers to predict possible impacts over the next five to ten years based on available data.
Prof. Asnawi also stressed the need for research that responds to changing public health problems, including growing attention to the elderly and the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Technological development was also an important part of the discussion. According to Prof. Asnawi, mastery of artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasingly important skill in supporting health research and policy. “Today, strong AI skills are a source of strength,” Prof. Asnawi said.
Through this event, students are expected to see research not only as scientific publication, but as knowledge that can be translated into relevant policy with impact for society.
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.