21 February 2025
Threesna Sharfina
The Student Hall of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) was vibrant and lively with the arrival of hundreds of students from across the Indonesian archipelago. They gathered to attend the official opening of the National Working Meeting (Rapat Kerja Nasional, Rakernas) of the Indonesian Dental Student Senate Association (Persatuan Senat Mahasiswa Kedokteran Gigi Indonesia, PSMKGI), a solemn and spirited ceremony celebrating unity and purpose.
This prestigious event was attended by delegates from 31 faculties of dentistry throughout Indonesia, making it one of the largest student forums in the country’s dental academic community. Rakernas serves as a vital platform for student representatives to draft national work programs, strengthen solidarity, and design strategic policies that directly impact the development of the dental profession and education in Indonesia.
As the host institution, the Faculty of Dentistry of Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKG USU) warmly welcomed all participants. In her remarks, the Dean of FKG USU, Dr. drg. Essie Octiara, Sp.KGA., Subsp.PKOA(K) expressed her pride in having FKG USU chosen as this year’s Rakernas venue.
“We are honored to host this year’s PSMKGI Rakernas. This forum is not only an opportunity for organizational coordination but also a strategic space for students to actively contribute to advancing dental education and services in Indonesia,” said Dr. Essie.
She also emphasized the importance of fostering leadership, collaboration, and innovation among students, as they represent the future front line of the dental profession.
This year’s Rakernas theme is “Tung inum, tung mata, tung tube do hot tung roha,” a Batak phrase reflecting the strong commitment of dental students to responding to modern challenges, strengthening organizational capacity, and advocating for policies that promote progress in dental care and student welfare.
Throughout the Rakernas, participants will engage in a series of activities, including:
Beyond decision-making, Rakernas serves as a strategic moment for building a national student network across dental faculties, enhancing solidarity, and creating opportunities for inter-campus collaboration in research, community service, and dental health advocacy.
“Rakernas is more than just a routine organizational event—it is a convergence of ideas, spirit, and solidarity among dental students from Sabang to Merauke. This is where we learn to become strong and impactful future leaders,” said one student delegate.
Through this Rakernas, FKG USU reaffirms its commitment as an institution that fully supports student leadership development—academically, organizationally, and socially. All activities were conducted with a strong emphasis on professionalism, collaboration, and integrity.
In conclusion, the event is expected to serve as an important milestone in strengthening PSMKGI’s organizational structure and enhancing students' roles in driving progress within Indonesia’s dental health system.
