Adi Utarini

Prof Uut

Prof. Adi Utarini was raised in a humble family environment that deeply shaped her values and worldview. Her father was a lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), living in university-provided housing without owning private assets, yet rich in integrity and wisdom. From this simple life, she learned two values that would guide her forever humility and simplicity. These principles became the moral compass that grounded her journey as a scientist, educator, and leader. She recalls how her father, a distinguished professor, and her mother, a devoted wife, always treated everyone with equal respect whether speaking to a colleague, a student, or a janitor. From them, she learned that true education is not only about knowledge, but about how we value people. As a mentor, she carries the same principle into her work, this is how her father helps his students.This is how her father helps his students. Her dedication to her students reflects her belief that teaching is not a profession, but a lifelong calling to help others reach their fullest potential. From her late husband, she also inherited another profound lesson to greet and appreciate everyone, regardless of their position or background. “We should always acknowledge people, no matter who they are,” he once reminded her a simple act that embodies the essence of respect, empathy, and humanity. These experiences, both from her family and her marriage, have shaped Prof. Adi Utarini into not only a world-renowned researcher but also a symbol of compassion and grounded leadership.

Prof. Adi Utarini’s academic journey embodies an unwavering dedication to science, humanity, and lifelong learning. After earning her medical degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada in 1989, she pursued international studies that shaped her global perspective completing a Master of Science at University College London (1994, British Council Award), a Master of Public Health at Umeå University (1998, STINT Award), and a Ph.D. at the same university (2002, STINT & TDR Awards). Appointed as Professor at UGM in 2011, her path reflects not only academic excellence but also humility and perseverance. From modest beginnings, she has proven that with dedication and empathy, knowledge can become a force that transforms public health worldwide.

After completing her doctoral studies, Prof. Adi Utarini returned to her homeland with a renewed sense of purpose to dedicate her knowledge to advancing public health in Indonesia. She began her academic career as a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), where she nurtured young minds to think critically and ethically in health policy and management. Her leadership and integrity soon led her to serve as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Collaboration at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, UGM (2012–2016). In this role, she fostered a strong culture of research excellence and encouraged collaboration between academia, government, and communities. One of her most groundbreaking achievements was leading the World Mosquito Program (Eliminate Dengue Project) in Yogyakarta (2013-2022) a pioneering initiative that used Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to significantly reduce dengue transmission. This project not only revolutionized vector control strategies but also placed Indonesia on the global map for scientific innovation. Beyond research, she contributed to healthcare quality management by the year. Currently I am longer leading this of the Indonesian Hospital Association (KARS) and co-editing the Hospital Accreditation Journal with the Center for Health Policy and Management (PKMK) UGM. Her expertise earned her a place on the National Research Council of Indonesia in 2015, recognizing her role in shaping national research directions. Today, she continues to serve as a professor and leading researcher at UGM, focusing on health policy, service quality, and infectious disease epidemiology, particularly dengue. Through her work, Prof. Adi shows that true leadership in science lies not only in discovery but also in empowering others, fostering collaboration, and translating research into real-world impact.

Throughout her career, Prof. Adi Utarini has expressed both intellect and compassion through her writings, bridging science, art, and humanity. Her works range from academic texts to heartfelt reflections, including Iwan Dwiprahasto, Sang Guru (2023), a tribute to her late husband; and Trah Wolbachia (2023), documenting Indonesia’s groundbreaking dengue project. She has contributed to influential books such as In Sickness and In Health (2022), Kita Bukan Sekadar Angka (2021), and Writing for Healing (2021), exploring resilience and public health. Her academic works, including Metode Penelitian (2022) and Tak Kenal Maka Tak Sayang (2020), highlight the union of empathy and scientific rigor. Through titles like Besanan Nyamuk (2019) and Adi Utarini, Akademisi yang Merayakan Musik (2018), she reveals the harmony between science, creativity, and life itself showing that true knowledge is born from both mind and heart.

As an academic, researcher, educator, and community servant, her decision to become a lecturer was born from a dream a belief that education and science could change lives. When she chose this path, she carried a quiet conviction: if we start something with sincerity, we must also have the courage to see it through to the end. She once dreamed of reaching a higher stage in her academic journey by the age of 45, that vision became a reality. In research, her greatest hope has always been that what she study can bring tangible benefits to society. Whatever the topic, the ultimate goal is service to people. One of my most meaningful early studies after completing my doctoral program was on tuberculosis (TB). She was intrigued by how primary health centers (puskesmas) implemented standardized TB treatment effectively, while hospitals and private clinics struggled to do so. This curiosity led me to develop a collaborative model between puskesmas and private practices, first tested in Yogyakarta and Bali. Within a year, the results were promising the partnership proved both feasible and impactful. Later, she devoted a decade to research on dengue fever (DB) in Yogyakarta, an ambitious project that involved releasing mosquitoes carrying the Wolbachia bacteria to suppress the spread of dengue virus. Supported by Tahija Foundation and Monash University, Australia, this long-term effort demonstrated a remarkable 77% reduction in dengue hospitalizations. It was not just a scientific success it was a message of hope. It showed that through persistence, collaboration, and faith in science, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Fluent in Indonesian and English

He makes music not just as a hobby, but as a form of personal reflection.

Life is always dynamic filled with moments that bring happiness as well as challenges, especially within the academic world. One of the greatest challenges she have faced is how to convince communities and stakeholders to believe in scientific approaches that may seem unconventional at first. For example, in the effort to reduce dengue cases, we introduced an innovative method: releasing mosquitoes that carry Wolbachia bacteria through mosquito eggs. This required not only scientific precision, but also a deep understanding of community communication and public perception. Gaining trust was not easy we had to reach out, explain patiently, and engage through the media to ensure people understood that this was for their benefit. Every scientific endeavor carries the risk of failure, but she believe that the key lies in balance balancing science and humanity, data and empathy, research and real-world dialogue. Through continuous communication and collaboration with various parties, we gradually built understanding and collective confidence, transforming scientific knowledge into a shared movement for public health.

She have never considered myself the smartest person in the room and she have always been aware of that. But she deeply believe that success is not defined solely by intelligence; it is shaped by perseverance and the willingness to keep learning. She have lived by that principle all my life: that diligence can open doors that talent alone cannot. In academia, this mindset has guided me every achievement, every step forward, is the result of continuous practice, discipline, and patience. She have learned that mastery is built, not given. Her husband has been one of the greatest influences in my journey. Through his attitude and actions, he taught me that being a lecturer is not only about teaching, but also about helping others grow. For example, in the effort to reduce dengue cases, we introduced an innovative method: releasing mosquitoes that carry Wolbachia bacteria through mosquito eggs. This required not only scientific precision, but also a deep understanding of community communication and public perception. Gaining trust was not easy we had to reach out, explain patiently, and engage through the media to ensure people understood that this was for their benefit.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.