The 2026 Deans' Forum of the Association of Indonesian Medical Education Institutions (AIPKI) was held in Sorong, West Papua, at the University of Papua. The four-day event, Friday–Monday (January 30–February 2, 2026), served as a strategic forum for medical faculty leaders across Indonesia to align the direction and policies of national medical education. The 2026 AIPKI Deans' Forum carried the theme “"Building the Foundation of Indonesian Doctors Towards Global Quality, Relevant Curriculum, and a Strong Academic Health System"”. The theme emphasizes the urgency of strengthening the quality of medical education to adapt to the needs of the health system, regional challenges, and developments in science and technology.

The event was officially opened by the Rector of the University of Papua, followed by a series of opening ceremonies and a gala dinner attended by the Governor of Southwest Papua. In his remarks, the Governor expressed his appreciation for AIPKI's role in promoting the strengthening and equitable distribution of the quality of medical education, particularly in Eastern Indonesia. He also emphasized the importance of synergy between educational institutions, local governments, and healthcare stakeholders.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang actively participated in this forum through the presence of Prof. Dr. dr. Yuyun Yueniwati PW, M.Kes., Sp.Rad(K) as Dean of FKIK, and Dr. Alvi Milliana, M.Biomed as Vice Dean for General Administration, Planning, and Finance (AUPK). The presence of the FKIK UIN Malang leadership is a form of the institution's commitment to supporting the improvement of the quality of medical and health education at the national level.

In her interview, Prof. Yuyun stated that the 2026 AIPKI Deans' Forum provided numerous strategic lessons, particularly regarding strengthening the curriculum and academic health systems. She emphasized that medical education cannot be separated from the dynamics and needs of national and regional health systems. Therefore, curriculum development must be competency-based, contextual, and oriented to the needs of health services and the community.

Furthermore, Prof. Yuyun explained that the medical education curriculum is not only required to meet regulatory and accreditation standards, but also to produce graduates who are relevant, competitive, and have a real impact on improving public health. Strengthening this understanding serves as a crucial foundation for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) of UIN Malang in evaluating and refining the curriculum going forward.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alvi Milliana, M.Biomed, Deputy Dean for AUPK, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UIN Malang, highlighted the importance of strengthening the Academic Health System as a follow-up to the forum's findings. According to her, the academic health system offers significant opportunities to strengthen support for the regional health system, particularly in Batu City and its surroundings, through the integration of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Teaching Hospital (RSKH), and the local government. This aligns with the program Impactful Campus which was launched by the Chancellor of UIN Malang.

Dr. Alvi explained that strengthening the Tri Dharma of Higher Education (TRIDARM) of education, research, and community service will directly contribute to improving the quality of health services, education, and the development of applicable research and innovation. A strong academic health system is expected to achieve quality education, quality health services, and more targeted health policies.

The 2026 AIPKI Deans' Forum also emphasized the importance of a quality assurance paradigm oriented toward impact and continuous improvement. The quality of medical education is measured not only by the completeness of documents but also by the performance of graduates, the institution's contribution to the health system, and its usefulness to the wider community.

Closing the series of activities, Prof. Yuyun expressed his hope that the results of the 2026 AIPKI Deans' Forum would encourage stronger synergy between FKIK UIN Malang, teaching hospitals, and local governments. In line with the mandate of the President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Governor of East Java, FKIK UIN Malang together with RSKH and other network hospitals are expected to collaborate in the development of Specialist Study Programs. Through this step, FKIK UIN Malang is committed to producing superior, quality graduates, and distributed according to regional needs, while simultaneously providing a real impact on strengthening the national health system.

Contributors: Ria Najja Nila Nafi'ah (PSSF 23) & Rizki Maulana Akbar (PSSF 24)