On Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at 07:30 AM, the basketball court of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), took on an unusual appearance. Police line tape surrounded the court, and various objects—such as handkerchiefs, shoes, belts, mobile phones, and several artificial human body parts—were scattered across the area..
This was the setting for a basic forensic identification training session for FKG UGM students, conducted by the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Division of the Medical and Health Department (Bidokkes) of Polda DIY. The training was led by AKBP drg. Budi Santoso, Sp.Pros, Head of the Police Medical Division (Biddokpol) of Polda DIY and an alumnus of FKG UGM Class of 1991. The team was welcomed by drg. Isti Rahayu Suryani, M.Biotech., Sp.Rad.O.M.(K), Head of the Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology at FKG UGM. A total of 80 seventh-semester students participated in the training, divided into groups to practice basic forensic identification techniques in a simulated crime scene arranged on the basketball court. Students first listened to briefings from the DVI team, then carried out initial identification simulations based on the scattered objects.
During the session, dr. Fajar Amansyah, Sp.PD., FINASIM., CMSC., QHIA., AIFO-K, Head of the Medical and Health Division of Polda DIY, highlighted that one of the major ongoing priorities of the national DVI system is the development of an integrated biometric database connected to the Police Medical Center (Pusdokkes Polri). Such a system would greatly assist identification processes in the event of disasters or criminal incidents. He emphasized that Forensic Odontology is expected to play an increasingly important complementary role alongside general forensic medicine, enhancing both accuracy and speed in victim identification.
DVI is a scientifically accountable and legally recognized procedure established to identify deceased victims of mass disasters, based on standardized protocols issued by INTERPOL.
While initial emergency response to disasters often focuses on rescuing survivors and treating the injured, it is equally important to ensure that victims who have passed away are identified properly and respectfully.
DVI is a scientifically accountable and legally recognized procedure established to identify deceased victims of mass disasters, based on standardized protocols issued by INTERPOL. While initial emergency response to disasters often focuses on rescuing survivors and treating the injured, it is equally important to ensure that victims who have passed away are identified properly and respectfully. Forensic identification methods typically involve visual recognition, documentation, and personal property assessment. External examinations include labeling, body covering details, injury records, fractures, and indicators of trauma. When autopsies are performed, the findings are also recorded and analyzed. In mass disaster scenarios, odontological teams work collaboratively with other units involved in DVI operations. FKG UGM is expected to continue advancing the field of Forensic Dentistry to strengthen national disaster victim identification capabilities in service to the country.
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti
