Makassar, Unhas – Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has once again strengthened its international cooperation through the OKADAI 2026 program, an academic collaboration and cultural exchange program conducted in partnership with Okayama University, Japan. The program involves students from four health sciences faculties at Unhas and students from Okayama University to broaden their insights into the healthcare systems, education, and cultures of both Indonesia and Japan.
The OKADAI 2026 program was organized by the Faculty of Dentistry at Unhas, involving the Faculty of Public Health,the Faculty of Nursing, and the Faculty of Medicine. The activities were attended by eight students from Okayama University and ten students from Unhas representing various health study programs.
From the fields of nursing and health, the two participating students were Andi Balqia Chaerunisya from the Unhas Physiotherapy Study Program and Nadiah Nur Faizah Binti Asir from the Unhas Nursing Science Study Program. The involvement of these cross-disciplinary students served as an opportunity to build a shared understanding of health challenges and foster collaboration within an international academic environment.
The series of activities began on July 14, 2026, with an online meeting via Zoom. Over four weeks, the Indonesian and Japanese students participated in four sessions to discuss health and culture from both countries. Following the online phase, the Okayama University students continued with on-site activities at Unhas from August 30 to September 3, 2026.
During their visit to Makassar, participants engaged in various academic activities, including visits to four health sciences faculties at Unhas and a guest lecture hosted by the Faculty of Nursing. Participants also had the opportunity to visit Hasanuddin University Hospital to gain insights into healthcare services, as well as take part in cultural visits to several destinations, including Fort Rotterdam and the 99 Domes Mosque.
Through a blend of academic learning and cultural experience, OKADAI 2026 provided a space for students to exchange knowledge, understand health perspectives from another country, and enhance their cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills. The interaction between students from both universities is also expected to broaden mutual understanding of the educational systems and healthcare practices in Indonesia and Japan.
The participation of Unhas Faculty of Nursing students in this program serves as a contribution to the internationalization of nursing education. The OKADAI 2026 program is expected to strengthen academic relations between Hasanuddin University and Okayama University while opening opportunities for sustainable collaboration in education, research, and student exchange in the health sector.
