Depok-Rector of the Universitas Indonesia (UI), Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU received a visit from the President of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine (HBUCM), Prof. Dr. dr. Chen Gang and his delegation on April 10, 2025 at the UI University Administration Center (PAU). This meeting aims to strengthen academic and research collaboration between the two institutions, especially in the development of scientific-based traditional medicine. In addition, on this occasion, discussions were also held regarding the exchange of lecturers and students, collaboration and research in the field of integrative and complementary therapy in strengthening the UI Vocational Physiotherapy study program.
In his speech, the President of HBUCM introduced the important role of Hubei Province in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China, as well as HBUCM’s commitment to establishing international collaboration.
“This visit is part of the commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China and 70 years of the Asia-Africa Conference. We believe that cooperation with UI as the best university in Indonesia can provide positive contributions in the development of traditional medicine and strengthen relations between the people of the two countries,” said Prof. Dr. dr. Chen Gang.
Furthermore, the President of HBUCM also acknowledged the leading role of the Universitas Indonesia in higher education in Indonesia and expressed optimism that this partnership would make a significant contribution to the advancement of traditional medicine, as well as strengthening the heart-to-heart relationship between the people of Indonesia and China.
(Photo: Presentation of a plaque by the Rector of the Universitas Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU to the President of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Prof. Dr. dr. Chen Gang)
Meanwhile, the UI Rector stated that this collaboration has great potential to strengthen UI’s position in the development of health sciences based on local and global wisdom. “We see a great opportunity to share knowledge and methods between traditional Indonesian medicine and traditional Chinese medicine that have developed systematically in HBUCM,” he said.
During the discussion session, Prof. Heri also introduced UI’s academic landscape as one of the leading institutions in Indonesia and emphasized UI’s commitment to global partnerships and highlighted shared interests with HBUCM in advancing traditional medicine.
The series of visits by the President of HBUCM continued with a public lecture entitled “Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine” held at the Auditorium of the UI Vocational Education Program. This lecture introduced the philosophy and approach of TCM treatment which is rooted in the harmony between the body and nature, as well as the use of herbal concoctions and external therapies such as acupuncture and Tuina. TCM emphasizes the balance of yin-yang, the interconnectedness of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), and human adaptation to the seasons and environment as the key to holistic health.
The HBUCM delegation that attended included Prof. Dr. dr. Li Xiaodong (Vice President, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM); Prof. Yao Qunfeng (Director of International Exchange and Cooperation Department); Dr. dr. Zhou Jing (Doctor of Tuina Department, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM); Dr. dr. Zhang Zhiwen (Doctor of Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM); Dr. dr. Teng Jinyan (Doctor of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM), while from UI were Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D (Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs); Prof. Dr. Hamdi Muluk, M.Si (Vice Rector for Research and Innovation); Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D. (Director of Vocational Education Program).
