Makassar, June 25, 2025 — The Board of Trustees (MWA) of Hasanuddin University has agreed in principle to open a Dietitian Professional Education Study Program at the Faculty of Public Health (FKM), after a plenary meeting held in Meeting Room A on the 4th floor of the Unhas Rectorate Building. The meeting was chaired by the Chair of the MWA, Prof. Dr. Andi Alimuddin Unde, M.Si., and attended by MWA members, the Dean of FKM, and the Task Force Team for the Establishment of the Dietitian Study Program.

The main agenda of the meeting was to consider and approve the opening of a Dietitian Professional Education Study Program initiated by FKM. In its presentation, the Task Force explained that this program was needed to meet the growing demand for professionals in the field of clinical nutrition. The study program will focus on practice-based professional education and has referred to the latest nomenclature regulations from the Ministry.

The discussion was dynamic, with various inputs from MWA members. Prof. Kartini appreciated FKM’s initiative in responding to changes in the strategic environment and encouraging cooperation with local governments to create alternative sources of funding, such as scholarships. Meanwhile, Dr. Jumiaty Nurung highlighted the need to adjust cash flow to reflect the university’s actual financial condition.

The issue of sustainability is also a major concern. The MWA chair emphasized the importance of ensuring that the new study program does not become a burden on the university, given Unhas’ position as a PTNBH, which requires efficiency and financial independence. He also encouraged the utilization of alumni networks and local government to support the sustainable financing of the study program.

From an academic perspective, Prof. Bahruddin Thalib emphasized the need for differentiation between the professions of dietitian and clinical nutritionist, both in terms of educational input, KKNI level, and graduate competencies. Prof. Zulkifli and Prof. Niartiningsih also highlighted the need to strengthen infrastructure and facilities and improve the editorial content of the proposal document, including graduate profiles, program vision, and graduate branding approaches.

In conclusion, MWA approved the opening of the Dietitian Professional Education Study Program with several improvements. This approval is an important step for FKM Unhas to expand its strategic role in producing professionals in the field of clinical nutrition that are relevant to the needs of society and the health sector today.