Yogyakarta-UGM. On this occasion, the History Team from PKMK FK-KMK UGM and the History Department of FIB UGM were represented by Prof. Laksono Trisnantoro, Bahauddin, and Abdul Wahid. The event was held at Soegondo Building, 7 Floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Opening Ceremony was held on Tuesday (24/6/2025). HOMSEA (History of Medicine in Southeast Asia) was founded by Prof Laurence Monnais (University of Montreal) and Dr. Rethy Chhem (former Executive Director of the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI)) in 2005, with the aim of promoting research in all aspects of the history of health and medicine in Southeast Asia. HOMSEA focuses on this region for several reasons: it has had a very diverse colonial history (the British, American, French and Dutch colonial empires all played a part); both in the past and in the present, its constituent parts faced (and continue to face) similar health challenges while the responses to these are highly variable.
HOMSEA aims to reach this goal by fostering closer contact among medical historians originating from the global North and those from the region. It also aims to foster greater cooperation among scholars, students, and physicians, especially those practicing in the region, by providing a forum for the international exchange of ideas and research. HOMSEA’s main activity is organising a conference on the history of health and medicine in Southeast Asia every two years, usually in cooperation with other societies.
The 10th HOMSEA International Conference has the main theme of “Health and Medicine in The Colonial, Post Colonial and Global Worlds” with the following sub-themes: 1) Health, Medicine and Decolonization, 2) Community Health VC Medical Specialization, 3) Connections and Differences Within Southeast Asia, 4)The Anthropocene from Southeast Asia Perspective, 5) Medicine, Ethis, Politics and The Sustainable Development Goals, and 6) Climate Change and Environmental Degradation.
At the opening ceremony of the 10th HOMSEA at FIB UGM this morning, several speeches were delivered by figures involved in making this event a success. In her speech, Prof. Dra. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, MSi, PhD, Head of the HOMSEA Local Arrangement Committee, said It is both an honor and a pleasure to welcome all participant to the 10th International Conference on the History of Medicine in Southeast Asia (HOMSEA), here in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. As Chair of this year’s conference, “I am humbled by your presence and excited for the rich exchanges we are about to embark on over the coming days. This 10th edition of HOMSEA marks an important milestone—a decade of scholarly gatherings that have brought to light the diverse and complex histories of medicine across Southeast Asia. From colonial encounters to indigenous healing, from the evolution of public health policies to the role of gender, religion, and traditional knowledge— this forum has continually deepened our understanding of medicine as a cultural, political, and scientific phenomenon. This year, we gather in Yogyakarta, a city long associated with intellectual vigor, cultural richness, and historical depth. It is also home to Gadjah Mada University (UGM)—a university deeply rooted in the post-independence aspirations of Indonesia. The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), established in 1949, stands as a testament to Indonesia’s early commitment to develop a health system grounded in national resilience and scientific progress. The history of medicine in Indonesia reflects the intersections of colonial legacies, nationalist movements, transnational exchanges, and local knowledge systems. From the early days of STOVIA in Batavia to the community-based health reforms of the 20th century, medical practice in this archipelago has always been more than a clinical pursuit—it is a mirror of societal change and cultural adaptation. At HOMSEA 2025, we hope to build on these rich narratives. We invite you to engage critically with historical sources, revisit forgotten voices, and push the boundaries of interdisciplinary research. This conference is not only about preserving the past, but also about understanding how historical perspectives can inform ethical, educational, and policy decisions in our current and future healthcare systems. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our academic partners, institutional supporters, and the organizing team whose dedication made this event possible. I also thank you for bringing your scholarship, curiosity, and commitment to the field.”
Prof. Hans Pols, Ph.D., FAHA, FASSA, RSN, as President of HOMSEA, said that HOMSEA event was first held in Indonesia, specifically in Solo (2012). Then it was held at the National Library in Jakarta (2018). And this year the committee held it again in Indonesia, specifically in Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta occupies a special place with respect to the history of medicine in Indonesia. One of the first missionary hospitals on Java – the Bethesda hospital, was founded in 1901 and was the first hospital to provide health care to Indonesians. The Dr. Yap Eye Hospital was founded as a charitable initiative by the local Chinese-Indonesian community in 1919. Across the road is the Panti Rapih Catholic hospital. In 1924, the Muslim organisation Muhammadyah established a hospital too, which opened clinics and hospitals all over Eastern Java. For Indonesians, the Soeradji Tirtonegoro hospital in nearby Klaten occupies a special place. When the Dutch made Jakarta unsafe in 1946, medical education moved to this hospital, where it resumed under the guidance of Dr. Sardjito, in 1949 the founding president of Gadjah Mada University. I hope that we will have a wonderful conference in a city that has been so important in the history of medicine in Indonesia.
Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si as Dean, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM explained exploring the historical medicine dimension in SouthEast Asia. Historical medicine is not only clinical but also culturally involved social structure, culture, Politics, Science and any other aspects. use this opportunity not only to present the paper but also to build connections and collaborations between the knowledge. He expressed his gratitude for the collaborative spirit that characterizes this conference. Through such interdisciplinary and transnational dialogue, we can continue to uncover our shared history, confront controversial narratives, and build a richer and more inclusive understanding of Southeast Asia’s medical past. In closing, Prof. Setiadi urged participants to take advantage of this opportunity not only to share research but also to build relationships that transcend national borders and academic disciplines. May this conference provide intellectual benefits and strengthen our collective commitment to preserving and interpreting the diverse medical heritage of our region.
Prof. dr. Yodi Mahendradhata, MSc, PhD, FRSPH as Dean Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, UGM said the timeless message which was quoted from Soekarno “never forget the History” not to look back to the past but to look up to the future. Our institution was born in the early days of Indonesia’s independence day. This conference honored our history. It is not only clinical aspects but also social political aspects. In his closing, he would like to thank the committee, speakers, and participants for their dedication to advancing the field of medical history. May this conference inspire new research, strengthen ongoing academic networks, and highlight the important role of historical inquiry in public health, medical ethics, and medical education.
Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, MMedED, SpOG(K), PhD. as chancellors UGM explained reflecting the historical foundation in South East Asia, scholarly innovation among the participants. How medical knowledge has an impact in South East Asia. Ensuring the contribution of SouthEast Asia in the History of Medicine. She emphasized that understanding the history of medicine is not merely an academic endeavor. It is a necessary lens for interpreting the social, cultural, and political dimensions of health. Amidst public health crises and global transformations, a historical perspective provides the wisdom to contextualize current challenges and guide future policies rooted in empathy, justice, and cultural awareness. This conference is designed as a platform to encourage critical reflection, academic innovation, and collaborative exploration among participants from various disciplines. Through papers, panels, and discussions, we hope to deepen our collective understanding of how medical knowledge is produced, debated, and practiced in the context of Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, as global health becomes increasingly interconnected, there is an urgent need to ground our responses in perspectives rooted in culture and history. HOMSEA’s commitment to highlighting local narratives and regional connections is crucial in ensuring that Southeast Asian experiences contribute meaningfully to global conversations about health and medicine. As a closing remark, Prof. Ova urged participants to begin this conference with curiosity, humility, and a shared commitment to developing knowledge that respects our past and our responsibility toward the future. She hopes that the discussions held over the coming days will spark new questions, foster ongoing collaboration, and deepen appreciation for the complexity and richness of medical history in our region. Thank you, and may this conference be productive and inspiring for all. After speeches by several dignitaries, the opening ceremony of the HOMSEA International Conference continued with the striking of a gong (Gamelan Jawa) as a symbolic sign of the opening of the event.
Readmore :
https://sejarahkesehatan.net/history-of-medicine-in-southeast-asia-homsea-conference/
Reporter:
Aulia Putri Hijriyah, S.Sej.,
Daranindra A. Prameswari, S.Sej.,