Source: Untar Public Relations – CS
Arthritis is one of the challenges in geriatric healthcare, as it can cause chronic pain, limit mobility, and reduce the quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, its management requires a comprehensive approach that combines modern medical science with traditional knowledge supported by scientific evidence.
The statement was made by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Tarumanagara (FK Untar) Dr. dr. Noer Saelan Tadjudin, Sp.KJ, during the International Seminar “Integrative Medicine for Arthritis in Elderly: Harnessing Traditional Wisdom and Modern Evidence” at Untar Campus I, Saturday (29/8/2026).
“Integrative medicine allows us to combine modern medical science and traditional knowledge to provide better care for patients,” said Noer Saelan.
The seminar, organized by FK Untar in collaboration with Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM) and Perkumpulan Disiplin Herbal Medik Indonesia (PDHMI), discussed various approaches to managing arthritis among the elderly.
Speakers from Indonesia, China, India, Nepal, and the Netherlands pose for a group photo // Doc: Untar Public Relations – CS
Experts from Indonesia, China, India, Nepal, and the Netherlands attended the seminar to share perspectives on geriatric healthcare. They included dr. Paskalis Andrew Gunawan, Sp.PD, Subsp.Ger.; Prof. Tian Xuefei, Ph.D.; Prof. Dr. Wei Wang; Mochamad Subechan, A.Md.Kes.; Prof. dr. Flori Ratna Sari, Ph.D.; Prof. Dr. Anjan Khadka, MBBS, MD; Prof. Dr. Vinay Arasappa Viswanatha, MBBS, MD, FAIMER; and Prof. Dr. Marcel Olde Rikkert.
The discussions covered arthritis among the elderly, traditional Chinese health exercises, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ethnomedicine, evidence-based medicinal herbal practices, yoga to support healthy aging, and the management of geriatric patients in healthcare facilities.
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Cooperation of Untar Assoc. Prof. Sri Tiatri, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D., Psikolog, expressed hope that the meeting would expand the exchange of knowledge and experience in healthcare for the elderly.
According to Sri Tiatri, cross-border and interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to promote healthcare that is holistic, safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered.
The seminar also featured a literature review session and a scientific poster competition. The finalists presented their research findings, providing an opportunity for knowledge exchange between Untar and HUCM in developing healthcare approaches for the elderly.
Authors and contributors of the Pedoman Pelayanan Herbal Medik Indonesia pose for a group photo // Doc: Untar Public Relations – CS
On the same occasion, PDHMI launched the book Pedoman Pelayanan Herbal Medik Indonesia. FK Untar lecturer dr. Fenny Yunita, M.Si., Ph.D., was among the authors, together with several experts affiliated with PDHMI.
The guideline was developed as a reference for the use of medicinal herbs in healthcare based on scientific knowledge and evidence.
“The launch marks an important milestone in strengthening the role of herbal medicines in clinical practice. Together, we are working to develop an integrative approach that can improve the quality of life of the elderly,” said Fenny.
Chair of PDHMI dr. Abidinsyah Siregar, DHSM, MBA, M.Kes., highlighted Indonesia’s demographic changes and the resulting increase in demand for healthcare services for the elderly.
According to him, these developments need to be anticipated by strengthening the healthcare system, including the development of standards for the use of herbal medicines as part of healthcare services.
The seminar was attended by doctors, pharmacists, traditional healthcare practitioners, and students. The meeting was part of an effort to bring scientific approaches and traditional knowledge together in developing more integrative healthcare services for the elderly. (CS/YS)