Jakarta, FIKES Online News, – The Student Executive Board (DEMA) of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta once again held its flagship program, the 2025 Kastrat School, with the theme "Forming Intellectual Pillars, Protecting the Nation's Voice." This activity took place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the FKIK and SOR FIKES Buildings, in collaboration with the Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health Student Associations (HMPS). The event was held on Friday, September 21, 2025.

This event aimed to introduce the role of Kastrat to new students, raise awareness of the importance of student movements, and develop a generation of critical intellectuals through materials, discussions, and action simulations.

The series of events began with an opening ceremony, recitation of verses from the Quran, singing the Indonesian national anthem, the UIN Hymn, and the FIKES March. Welcome remarks were delivered by the Chairperson of the Executive Board, the Chair of DEMA FIKES, and Ms. Uswatun Khasanah, S.Kep., MNS, Vice Dean III of FIKES. The atmosphere was solemn, with the full support of the committee and the enthusiasm of the participants.

The first presentation was delivered by Baequni Boerman, S.K.M., M.Kes., Ph.D., discussing "The Role of Students as Intellectual Pillars in Health Advocacy: A Critical Analysis of the Issue of Protecting Healthcare Workers." He emphasized the role of students in advocating for health issues, such as campaigns on the dangers of smoking, and distinguished between the roles of advocates and educators.

Baequni also reminded students to avoid political incitement, especially during elections, and emphasized that violence against healthcare workers must be addressed with professionalism and non-violent advocacy. He emphasized that students are not merely recipients of knowledge, but agents of change through education, advocacy, and social movements. During the question-and-answer session, students actively asked questions about the differences between the roles of advocates and educators, attitudes toward political incitement, and strategies for dealing with violence against healthcare workers.

The second presentation was delivered by Naufal Dzaky Nugroho on the theme "Mass Action Tactics." He explained the history of social movements, the essential elements of mass action, and practical strategies such as demonstrations, boycotts, petitions, and nonviolent campaigns. He stated that mass action remains relevant in the digital age, but needs to be combined with online campaigns for broader reach. During the discussion session, students asked about strategies for addressing the negative stigma surrounding mass action, the effectiveness of action in the digital age, and the role of students in organizing community movements.

Following the presentation, the activity continued with a demonstration simulation. Participants acted as orators, negotiators, and members of the protesters to voice the Student Health Movement's demands, including: legal protection and security for healthcare workers, a safe zone policy, psychological support and legal aid, an integrated reporting system, and protection for professional students and healthcare interns.

This simulation provided firsthand experience for new students in voicing their aspirations in a structured, peaceful, and critical manner. Despite some rain interruptions during the lunch break, the event proceeded smoothly as scheduled. New students demonstrated high enthusiasm in both the material sessions and the action simulation.

The Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FIKES), Prof. Dr. apt. Zilhadia, M.Si., expressed his appreciation for the success of this activity. "Kastrat School is an important platform for students to learn to become critical and responsible intellectuals. I hope this activity fosters students' collective awareness that they have a strategic role in maintaining the health of the nation and democracy," he said.

Echoing this sentiment, the Vice Dean III for Student Affairs emphasized the importance of the program's sustainability. "Activities like Kastrat School must be maintained because they train students not only to think critically but also to have the courage to speak the truth in an elegant, peaceful, and constructive manner," he said.

Through Kastrat School 2025, new FIKES students not only gain an understanding of Kastrat but also experience cross-program solidarity and a critical and participatory learning environment. This activity is expected to be the first step in developing a generation of intellectual students who are empowered and ready to protect the nation's voice. (zr)