Medan, October 10, 2026 – Professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), Prof. dr. Tri Widyawati, M.Si., Ph.D., was officially inaugurated as Chair of the Medan Branch of the Indonesian Pharmacology Association (IKAFARI) for the 2026–2030 period. The inauguration, held on Saturday (October 10), marked an important moment in strengthening the role of academics in advancing pharmacology, education, research, and community service.

The leadership of the Medan Branch of IKAFARI for the 2026–2030 period was established through Decree of the IKAFARI National Chairperson Number 01/PB.IKAFARI/IX/2026, dated September 15, 2026. Carrying the theme “Strengthening Synergy, Advancing Pharmacology: Making a Global Impact Together,” the organization aims to strengthen inter-institutional synergy, improve the quality of scientific activities, and expand the contribution of Indonesian pharmacology at the national and international levels.

Representing the leadership of FK USU, the Manager of Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, dr. O.K. Ilham Abdullah Irsyam, Sp.OT, CF, and AIFO-K, expressed appreciation and congratulations to Prof. Tri Widyawati on her appointment as Chair of the Medan Branch of IKAFARI for the 2026–2030 period. The inauguration is expected to provide an opportunity to expand the contributions of FK USU academics to scientific advancement, improved educational quality, and stronger collaboration in research and community service.

The leadership of FK USU also hopes that this organization will provide a platform for developing the next generation of academics to participate actively in scientific activities, research, and professional development while enhancing academic competitiveness at both national and international levels.

In her remarks, Prof. Tri Widyawati emphasized the importance of building an inclusive, integrity-driven organization focused on scientific advancement. The leadership has three main priorities: strengthening education and the development of young members, advancing collaborative research across institutions, and improving public literacy regarding the rational and safe use of medicines.

Education on the responsible use of antibiotics, as well as the safety of conventional medicines and natural ingredient-based medicines, is an important component of efforts to improve public understanding. Through these programs, the Medan Branch of IKAFARI is expected to strengthen the role of pharmacology in supporting quality healthcare based on scientific evidence.

In addition to Prof. Tri Widyawati as Chairperson, several active academics and retired professors from FK USU have also been entrusted with positions in the leadership of the Medan Branch of IKAFARI for the 2026–2030 period.

The Advisory Board includes two retired professors from FK USU, namely Prof. dr. Aznan Lelo, Ph.D., SpFK., and Prof. Dr. dr. Rozaimah Zain Hamid, M.S., SpFK. Other FK USU academics serving on the Advisory Board are Dr. rer. medic. dr. M. Ichwan, M.S.; dr. Zainal Safri, SpPD., KKV., FINASIM., SpJP(K); Dr. dr. Dadik Wahyu Wijaya, Sp.An-TI., Subsp.An.O(K); and Dr. dr. Ririe Fachrina Malisie, Sp.A(K)., Subsp.E.T.I.A(K).

Within the core leadership team, dr. Ramadhan Bestari, M.Biomed., serves as First Vice Chairperson, while Dr. dr. Sake Juli Martina, MH.Kes., FisQua., Sp.FK., serves as Second Vice Chairperson. The position of Second Secretary has been entrusted to dr. Sri Melinda Kaban, MKT.

FK USU academics are also involved at the coordinator level. Dr. dr. Siti Syarifah, M.Biomed., has been appointed Coordinator of Scientific Affairs and Publications, while Prof. Dr. dr. Yunita Sari Pane, M.Si., serves as Coordinator of Cooperation and Partnerships.

The composition of the leadership reflects the involvement of academics across generations in supporting organizational continuity, developing scientific capacity, and expanding partnerships in the field of pharmacology.

Expanding Collaboration and International Networks

To increase its global contribution, the Medan Branch of IKAFARI is also promoting stronger international networks through IKAFARI's membership in the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR). One of its key priorities is to prepare scientific contributions from its members for the World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WCP) 2030, which is planned to take place in Milan, Italy.

Prof. Tri Widyawati hopes that the Medan Branch of IKAFARI will become an open platform for collaboration among various institutions and generations of academics. Through sustained cooperation, the organization is expected to produce scientific works that benefit society while strengthening the contribution of Indonesian pharmacology to global scientific development.

The strengthening of programs at the Medan Branch of IKAFARI aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) is supported through improved public literacy and education on the rational and safe use of medicines.

SDG 4 (Quality Education) is advanced through strengthening pharmacology education, developing young members, and building the capacity of academics and researchers. Meanwhile, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) is related to the development of collaborative research and scientific innovation in pharmacology.

Furthermore, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) is reflected in stronger inter-institutional cooperation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and expanded international academic networks.

Through the leadership of Prof. Tri Widyawati and the involvement of FK USU academics in the leadership of the Medan Branch of IKAFARI, sustained synergy is expected to advance pharmacology, improve the quality of education and research, and make tangible contributions to public health.