Tackling Air Pollution and Industrial Health Hazards, UIN Jakarta Medical Faculty Inks Research Pact With Ministry of Manpower

JAKARTA, UIN Online News – Strengthening strategic research networks in occupational health and environmental safety, the Faculty of Medicine (FK) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta formally signed a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Jakarta Center for Occupational Safety and Health (BBKKK), an executive agency under the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

The inter-institutional partnership establishes a collaborative framework spanning occupational health education, Joint Clinical Research, specialized medical laboratory access, and policy formulation for industrial safety.

The official signing ceremony was led by Dean of FK UIN Jakarta dr. Achmad Zaki, M.Epid., Sp.OT., Vice Dean dr. Laifa Annisa Hendarmin, Ph.D., Senior Pulmonology Professor Mukhtar Ikhsan, Sp.P(K), alongside Head of BBKKK Jakarta dr. Yessie Kualasari, M.K.K.K.

Highlighting the core research objectives, Dean dr. Achmad Zaki emphasized that modern occupational medicine plays a crucial role in mitigating complex health disruptions caused by industrial environments.

"Our partnership extends beyond administrative formalities into concrete research programs," Dr. Achmad Zaki stated. "Through joint scientific publications, clinical trials, and specialized training, we aim to deliver evidence-based recommendations that protect workforce health and inform national public health policies."

A key focus of the research collaboration targets environmental health impacts, specifically examining how air quality degradation, industrial dust, airborne particulates, and chemical exposures contribute to occupational lung diseases.

Affirming government support, Head of BBKKK Jakarta dr. Yessie Kualasari highlighted that the agency's specialized testing laboratories and testing equipment will be fully accessible to UIN Jakarta medical researchers and clinical fellows.

Addressing the assembly, UIN Jakarta Pulmonology Professor Mukhtar Ikhsan underscored the urgent clinical need for rigorous occupational research.

"Workplace exposure to toxic dusts, industrial pollution, and harmful ambient chemicals remains a primary driver of chronic respiratory diseases," Professor Mukhtar Ikhsan explained. "Synergizing university medical research with state laboratory infrastructure is imperative to innovate preventive protocols, diagnostic tools, and early interventions for occupational lung disorders."

By merging medical academia with national industrial safety infrastructure, UIN Jakarta demonstrates its commitment to advancing global health standards, workforce safety, and environmental medicine research.

(Press Release of the Faculty of Health)