Amid growing demands to improve the quality of dental education in Indonesia, strong and collaborative leadership is essential. This was reflected in the outcome of the General Assembly of the Association of Indonesian Faculties of Dentistry (AFDOKGI) held recently, where the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., was elected as Chair of AFDOKGI for the 2025–2027 period.
The assembly was attended by 35 deans of Faculties of Dentistry from across Indonesia. The election of the Chair and Vice Chair for the 2025–2027 term was carried out through deliberation and consensus. The two nominated candidates were Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D. (Dean of UGM Faculty of Dentistry) and drg. Wiwiek Poedjiastoeti, M.Kes., Sp.BM(M)., Ph.D. (Dean of Trisakti University Faculty of Dentistry). Both were recognized for their leadership experience and strong commitment to advancing dental education in Indonesia.
Through consensus, the participants appointed Prof. Suryono as Chair of AFDOKGI 2025–2027, with drg. Wiwiek Poedjiastoeti serving as Vice Chair. This agreement reflects the spirit of collaboration and solidarity among dental faculties, which forms the foundation of AFDOKGI as a coordinating body for the development of dental education institutions nationwide.
“AFDOKGI must be an organization that is united, harmonious, and truly beneficial,” said Prof. Suryono. “This means we must respect one another, remain cohesive, and provide real benefits for all Faculties of Dentistry and dental education institutions across Indonesia.”
He also emphasized that the main focus of AFDOKGI moving forward is to encourage all Faculties of Dentistry to produce excellent graduates—both dentists and dental specialists—academically and professionally. This includes the ability of institutions to respond to regulatory changes and technological developments, while ensuring sustainable quality of education that is adaptive and relevant to contemporary needs.
Prof. Suryono previously served as Chair of AFDOKGI during the 2023–2025 period, which laid a strong foundation for continuity in leadership direction. With his re-election as Chair, he hopes to further strengthen inter-faculty synergy, accelerate responses to global challenges in dental education, and ensure that Indonesian dental graduates are competitive, ethical, and responsive to societal needs.
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti
