When founding the Diponegoro University Genetic Counseling program four years ago, Prof
hen founding the Diponegoro University Genetic Counseling program four years ago, Prof. Sultana M.H. Faradz had clear intentions. She wanted to provide high quality molecular genetics training to help researchers give counseling services across Indonesia.
This was not an easy effort, but it was definitely worthwhile. Program funding was tight, but the school secured revenues for laboratory equipment and student research expenses by strengthening cooperation with international institutions.
The Diponegoro University Genetic Counseling program has now graduated over 30 highly qualified genetic counselors and molecular biology researchers, some of which have also received training in the Netherlands, the US, Malaysia and Japan with scholarships provided by the Indonesian Ministry of Education’s “Beasiswa Unggulan” program.
Foreign universities have also invested in Diponegoro University’s research objectives by assisting with tuition and living cost expenses for Indonesian students abroad.
Many of these young scientists have returned to local institutions to develop their own laboratories and genetic counseling services for Indonesian patients. Supporting young researchers’ abilities to provide genetic medical services is an investment in Indonesia’s future.
The Genetic Counseling program at Diponegoro University is the first program in Southeast Asia to train counselors to identify families with higher risks of genetic disease, investigate genetic patterns and the risks of recurrence,
Genetic counselors also provide psy-chological counseling for patients and their families, and suggest support referrals for medical options and government services.
Many Indonesian genetics researchers focus on mental retardation, developmental disabilities, autism and sexual development disorders. With the combination of a nurturing and supportive environment, students come from all over Indonesia to be trained in this field.
The program is only one among few Indonesian programs with a straightforward vision of instructing highly qualified young researchers. Many students are interested in translational research, where laboratory and molecular studies are immediately translated into providing better diagnostic treatment for patients.
This field of research is expensive. Continuous support and investment from the government, with scholarships such as Beasiswa Unggulan, and contributions from the private sector and international collaborations is essential. The more Indonesia invests in its young researchers, the more they will be able to expand their field of interest.
Senior mentors are needed to foster and encourage their younger colleagues.
With time and consistent training, Indonesia will undoubtedly encourage internationally-acknowledged scientists capable of providing cutting edge medical treatment. We must help pave the way for young Indonesian men and women to one day become international leaders in science. It is time for Indonesia to invest more in its young researchers.
Rahajeng N. Tunjungputri is a student in Genetic Counseling, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University. With the support of Beasiswa Unggulan, she is set to conduct molecular genetics research for a year
at Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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