Makassar, Unhas – Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has further strengthened its international cooperation through the OKADAI 2026 program, an academic collaboration and cultural exchange initiative with Okayama University, Japan. The program engages students from four health-related faculties at Unhas and students from Okayama University, aiming to broaden their perspectives on the healthcare systems, education, and cultures of both Indonesia and Japan.
The OKADAI 2026 program is organized by the Unhas Faculty of Dentistry, in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health, the Faculty of Nursing, and the Faculty of Medicine. The initiative involves eight students from Okayama University and ten students from various health-related study programs at Unhas.
Representing the nursing and health fields, the participating students include Andi Balqia Chaerunisya from the Physiotherapy study program and Nadiah Nur Faizah Binti Asir from the Nursing Science study program at Unhas. This interdisciplinary student involvement serves as an opportunity to foster a shared understanding of health challenges and to develop collaborations within an international academic environment.
The series of activities commenced on July 14, 2026, with an online meeting held via the Zoom platform. Over the course of four weeks, the Indonesian and Japanese students participated in four sessions to discuss the healthcare and cultures of both nations. Following the online phase, the students from Okayama University continued the program in person at Unhas from August 30 to September 3, 2026.
During their visit to Makassar, the participants engaged in various academic activities, including visits to the four health-related faculties at Unhas and a guest lecture hosted by the Unhas Faculty of Nursing. The participants also had the opportunity to visit the Hasanuddin University Hospital to gain insights into healthcare services, as well as to take part in cultural excursions to several landmarks, including Fort Rotterdam and the 99 Domes Mosque (Masjid 99 Kubah). Through a blend of academic study and cultural experience, OKADAI 2026 provides a space for students to exchange knowledge, gain insight into healthcare perspectives from other countries, and enhance their cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills. The interaction between students from both universities is also expected to broaden their understanding of the educational systems and healthcare practices in Indonesia and Japan.
The participation of students from the Unhas Faculty of Nursing in this program serves as a contribution toward the internationalization of nursing education. The OKADAI 2026 program is expected to strengthen academic ties between Hasanuddin University and Okayama University, while simultaneously opening doors for ongoing collaboration in education, research, and student exchange within the field of healthcare.
