UNIBA HOLDS ADVANCED BASIC ETHICS AND SIM EPK MANAGEMENT WEBINAR TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH WORKFORCE COMPETENCIES

Batam – Universitas Batam (UNIBA) has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving human resource quality in the health sector by hosting the Advanced Basic Ethics and Health Research Ethics Management Information System (SIM EPK) Webinar, held online on July 10–11, 2026.

The webinar was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Universitas Batam (UNIBA), the UNIBA Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), and the Edutech DIY Team. The event aimed to enhance the understanding and competencies of health workers, academics, and researchers regarding the application of health research ethics and the use of the Health Research Ethics Management Information System (SIM EPK).

The webinar was held in response to developments in the health sector that require health workers to continuously improve their competencies—not only in clinical service, but also in understanding professional ethics and research governance. Sound ethical practice serves as a critical foundation for delivering services and conducting research professionally, responsibly, and with a focus on the safety and protection of research subjects. Meanwhile, the use of SIM EPK serves as an important tool in supporting more effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable health research governance.

Over the two-day event, participants received comprehensive material covering the Fundamentals and Development of Health Research Ethics; the roles of the National Health Research Ethics Commission (KEPKN) and Health Research Ethics Committee (KEPK) in ethical oversight and monitoring-evaluation; Ethical Standards, Principles, and Guidelines; Research Protocols for Human and Animal Subjects; Clinical Trials and Informed Consent; Registration and Submission through SIM EPK; the Ethical Review Process (Exempted, Expedited, and Full Board); and hands-on Practice in Research Protocol Review. This series of materials is expected to strengthen participants' capacity to apply research ethics principles in accordance with applicable regulations.

The event featured a number of experienced speakers in the fields of health and research ethics, namely Prof. drg. Anton Rahardjo, M.K.M., Ph.D., FISDPH., FISPD.; Drs. Ondri Dwi Sampurno, M.Si., Apt.; Prof. Irma Nurbaeti, S.Kp., M.Kep., Sp.Mat., Ph.D.; Drs. Harry Wahyu Tristantowibowo, Apt.; and Handoko Riwidikdo, S.Kp. The webinar was also coordinated under the leadership of the Chair of Universitas Batam's Ethical Clearance Committee, dr. Elvita Nora Susana, Sp.THT-BKL, FICS, who supported the event as part of efforts to strengthen an ethical research culture within the academic environment.

Through this webinar, Universitas Batam hopes participants will gain a deeper understanding of health research ethics, optimize their use of SIM EPK, and apply ethical principles at every stage of research and professional practice. In addition, the event is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration and experience-sharing among academics, researchers, health workers, and professional organizations in support of improving the quality of research and health services in Indonesia.

The organization of this webinar further reflects Universitas Batam's ongoing commitment to developing health workforce competencies and strengthening ethical research governance through a continued series of scientific activities.