EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – Prof. Dr. dr. Terawan Agus Putranto underscored the importance of advancing brain health innovation supported by greater public literacy during the Indonesian Brain Forum 2026, held at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), on Tuesday (August 4, 2026).
Speaking at the event in the Cipto Mangunkusumo Building of the UPNVJ Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Terawan discussed recent developments in brain health innovation and emphasized the need to communicate medical knowledge to the public in language that is clear and easy to understand.
The discussion formed part of the Indonesian Brain Forum 2026, themed “Brain and the Future of Indonesia: How Neuroscience Shapes Education, Leadership, Innovation, and Indonesian Civilization.”
Brain health is a fundamental component of human development, as it is closely linked to learning, memory, communication, decision-making, and daily functioning. Therefore, expanding public understanding of brain function and the importance of maintaining brain health remains essential.
Prof. Terawan emphasized that innovation is crucial in addressing the evolving challenges of healthcare. Medical innovation extends beyond technological advancements to include improvements in diagnostic methods, disease prevention, healthcare services, and patient-centered recovery approaches.
According to his presentation, scientific progress must be accompanied by continuous public education. Communities need access to accurate and reliable information to better understand health risk factors, adopt healthier lifestyles, and make informed healthcare decisions.
Brain health education is also essential for encouraging individuals to pay closer attention to changes in their physical condition, cognitive abilities, and mental well-being. Adequate knowledge enables people to recognize potential health issues early and seek professional medical advice when necessary.
Prof. Terawan stressed that healthcare innovation should ultimately deliver tangible benefits to society. Research findings and advances in medical technology must be translated into healthcare services that are accessible, understandable, and responsive to public health needs.
He also highlighted the importance of effective health communication as a key component of innovation. Clearly communicated medical information can reduce misconceptions, enhance public awareness, and encourage greater community participation in maintaining health.
The Indonesian Brain Forum 2026 brought together prominent national figures from diverse disciplines, including Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D.; Rocky Gerung; Dr. dr. Asra Al Fauzi; Dean of the UPNVJ Faculty of Medicine, Dr. dr. Taufiq Fredrik Pasiak; and Prof. Dr. dr. Terawan Agus Putranto.
The speakers explored neuroscience from the perspectives of medicine, education, philosophy, leadership, innovation, healthcare, and public policy, demonstrating the broad relevance of brain science to Indonesia’s human capital development.
UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, M.A., Comm., emphasized that neuroscience has evolved beyond the field of medicine to become a critical foundation for understanding how people learn, lead, make decisions, and contribute to civilization.
According to Prof. Anter, universities have a responsibility to bridge scientific advancement with societal needs. Academic forums should generate ideas and collaborative initiatives that can be translated into practical solutions to national challenges.
His remarks complemented Prof. Terawan’s perspective on brain health innovation, highlighting the importance of collaboration among universities, healthcare professionals, researchers, government institutions, and the broader community to maximize the societal benefits of medical advances.
Dean of the UPNVJ Faculty of Medicine, Dr. dr. Taufiq Fredrik Pasiak, stated that the Indonesian Brain Forum serves as a collaborative platform for academics, practitioners, researchers, students, and the public to deepen their understanding of neuroscience.
The Faculty of Medicine reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education and research that responds to scientific developments while contributing to improved public health and the development of Indonesia’s human resources.
In addition to the scientific discussions, the event featured the launch of the book The 7 Laws of the Brain and the inauguration of the Library & Brain Mini Museum (LibMuse) at the UPNVJ Faculty of Medicine.
LibMuse has been established as an educational and neuroscience literacy facility for students, lecturers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and the wider community. The facility is expected to enhance public understanding of brain structure and function through interactive learning experiences.
The establishment of LibMuse reinforces the educational mission of the Indonesian Brain Forum 2026, extending knowledge about brain health beyond academic discussions and making it more accessible to the general public.
Through the Indonesian Brain Forum 2026, UPNVJ reaffirmed that advances in brain health innovation must go hand in hand with strengthening public literacy. Medical breakthroughs will have a greater societal impact when they are effectively understood, embraced, and applied by the community.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
