Half a Decade of ICONS FKM Unhas: Crossing Research Boundaries, Uniting the National Nutrition Vision in the Era of Transformation
MAKASSAR – An intellectual journey that began with academic unrest has now reached its fifth anniversary . year , precisely Monday, December 30, 2025, Indonesian Center for Nutrition Studies (ICONS) The Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University (FKM Unhas ) held a moment of reflection strategically located at the Swiss- Belinn Hotel Panakkukang , Makassar. Meeting This No just celebration numbers , but rather A statement attitude about ICONS position in constellation policy nutrition national .
For five years Lastly , ICONS has grow beyond its function as institution study . It has become a “meeting point” where complex nutritional theories are transformed into practical solutions for the government and the public. This 5th anniversary celebration is also designed as a pause—an opportunity to take a breath, evaluate the footprints left behind, and sharpen the compass for the next five years.
The Indonesian Center for Nutrition Studies (ICONS) faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, took a group photo after a series of activities to celebrate the 5th anniversary of ICONS FKM Unhas at Swiss-Belinn Panakkukang, Makassar, on Monday (December 30, 2025). This event marked a reflection on ICONS’s five-year journey and strengthened the strategic direction of nutrition research and studies in Indonesia.
Exploring the Roots of Innovation: A Bridge Between Campus and Policy
A flashback five years ago brings us to the fundamental reason for the founding of ICONS. Indonesia, with all its demographic dynamics, continues to face persistent nutrition challenges—from the still-problematic stunting rate to the double burden of malnutrition. Prof. Dr. Abdul Razak Thaha, MSc , a visionary who has led ICONS since its inception, explained in his speech that ICONS was born to break down the dividing wall between pure research and public policy.
He emphasized that research without policy implementation is academic futility, while policy without a research basis is a blind step. ICONS takes role risky but vital as bridge builder . Below his direction , ICONS ensures that every recommendations generated is product from methodology rigorous research However still relevant with need real in the field . This is what makes ICONS one of the knot strongest in ecosystem research health at Hasanuddin University.
5-Year Milestone: A Collective Reflection
The spirit of this year’s Anniversary is centered on the theme of reflection. Prof. Dr. Veni Hadju, MSc, PhD , as the Chair of the Committee, described the past five years as a phase of consolidation. According to him , ICONS does not want to trapped in romanticism past successes . Reflections made is reflection critical : asking return whether contribution institution This Already Enough significant for decline number problem nutrition in Eastern Indonesia in particular , and nationally generally .
The full support of the campus bureaucracy was also evident. Representing the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Prof. Dr. Atjo Wahyu, SKM, M.Kes (Vice Dean for Planning, Resources, and Alumni), expressed his high appreciation for ICONS’ flexibility and resilience. In the faculty’s view, ICONS has become an ideal model of how a study center should operate—not relying solely on internal funding, but actively seeking international collaboration to strengthen national research capacity.
As a form of intellectual documentation, the handover of the ICONS travel book symbolizes that every challenge, scientific debate, and success over the past 60 months has been neatly recorded as a legacy for the next generation of researchers.
The Power of Collaboration: Connecting Makassar with the World
ICONS’ uniqueness lies in its ability to forge inclusive networks. The discussion session “ICONS’ Footprints” revealed the deep trust placed in this research center by international institutions. Partner testimonials are not mere lip service, but rather a testament to the integrity of the data produced by ICONS.
The presence of UNICEF through Nike Frans and Vitamin Angels Indonesia through Otte Santika demonstrates ICONS’s strategic global partnership. This collaboration spans a wide spectrum, from research on the implementation of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) to nutrition interventions in remote areas of Maluku and Sulawesi.
Comments from Prof. Dr. Endang L. Achadi (a nutrition expert from the University of Indonesia) and Prof. Dr. Sri Sumarmi (UNAIR) emphasized that ICONS has become a catalyst for the unity of nutrition academics in Indonesia. They see ICONS as an institution capable of translating the technical needs of the Health Office—as conveyed by Dr. Anang S. Otoluwa from Gorontalo—into applicable research designs.
Leadership Relay: Toward a New Era of Nutrition Research
The most emotional moment at a time strategic is handover stick relay Leadership . From Prof. Abdul Razak Thaha to Prof. Veni Hadju . This change signals a transition from the “foundation building” phase to the “innovation acceleration” phase. Under the new leadership, ICONS is expected to be able to respond to nutrition challenges in the digital era, where big data and information technology are starting to play a key role in nutrition surveillance.
The strategic discussion involving professors such as Prof. Abu Bakar Tawali, Prof. Meta Mahendratta, and Prof. Ida Leida M. , provided direction that ICONS must start looking at the issue of food security which is threatened by climate change, as well as how it impacts the nutritional status of toddlers in the future.
ICONS and Commitment Against Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
All over ICONS activities during half decade This No Once off from umbrella big Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . ICONS understands that problem nutrition is problem multisectoral which is the core of dignity man .
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger ) Hunger ): ICONS dedicates his research For delete all form malnutrition . Through research nutrition micronutrients and supplementation in mothers pregnant , ICONS is trying cut off stunting chain since in content . Deletion target hunger No only question a full stomach , but question cell a nourished body with appropriate .
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): With accurate data , ICONS helps lower number death mother and child . Research based the evidence they have produce allows system health Work more efficient , ensuring every intervention health own impact measurable health .
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): This Anniversary is proof real ICONS’ success in build partnership . With involving government regional , international NGOs , and fellow universities, ICONS proves that challenge nutrition giant national only Can conquered with Work The same collective .
Closing : Staring New Horizons
Even though the event was closed with atmosphere warm and appreciative for retirees , narrative big left behind is : new ICONS just start half both of them . Five years First is about proof existence ; five years to front is about leadership thought leadership at the Asia Pacific level . Challenge Indonesian nutrition will Keep going evolved , but with foundation Strong research , extensive networks , and leadership with integrity , ICONS FKM Unhas Ready be at the forefront in ensure every Indonesian children get right on the best nutrition . ICONS do not only take notes history , they currently shaping the future nutrition nation .