Yogyakarta, 21th September 2026 – Students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) have once again achieved a remarkable accomplishment. This time, two female students from the Bachelor of Pharmacy program, Fahma Jauhara Ameliantari and Fadhila Fatimatuzzahro won a second place at a national academic competition titled “14th Public Health Competition (PHC) Essay 2026.” The finals of this competition were held online on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
This competition is part of the work program of the Student Activity Unit (UKM) for Student Research and Reasoning at the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Jember. Under the overarching theme “Beyond the Horizon: Innovative Perspectives for a Healthier Society,” this event challenges active students from universities across Indonesia to develop innovative ideas to address current public health challenges.
In the competition, the UGM delegation stood out by presenting critical ideas that highlighted public health issues currently prevalent in Indonesia. Fahma and Fadhila’s essay provided an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which is triggered by long-term use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). This issue is particularly critical given the rising trend of such cases among the adult working-age population.
Fahma and Fadhila’s journey to victory was marked by a rigorous process. After passing a comprehensive evaluation of their written works, the UGM delegation successfully secured a spot in the finals. It was at this final stage that they competed fiercely against nine other selected finalists from various renowned institutions, including Universitas Hang Tuah, Universitas Negeri Malang, Universitas Jember, IPB University, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Telkom University, and Universitas Muslim Indonesia
.In the final round, the UGM delegation successfully impressed the panel of judges through a 10-minute interactive presentation, followed by an in-depth 12-minute question-and-answer session. Fahma and Fadhila successfully elaborated on their innovative concept in detail, explaining its scientific basis, how it works, and its potential for future development. After evaluating their written work, which included the creativity of their visual presentation, presentation skills, mastery of the material, and the soundness of their arguments, the panel of judges determined that Fahma and Fadhila had won second place at the national level.
Undoubtedly, Fahma and Fadhila’s impressive success in presenting innovative ideas related to this health issue is in line with the commitment of the academic community at the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Preventive analysis and education regarding the safe use of NSAIDs contribute directly to the achievement of SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being.
In addition, research that specifically targets health protection for the working-age population represents tangible support for SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. By reducing the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among people of working age, this initiative aims to ensure that Indonesia’s workforce can continue to live healthy and productive lives, thereby avoiding the burden of disease that can hinder the economic well-being of the population.
Author: Gilang | Photo: Tim Mahasiswa Farmasi UGM
