From September 14 to 19, the College of Oral Medicine at Chung Shan Medical University (CSMU) visited Jakarta, Indonesia, to conduct a week-long “Dental Clinical Training and Talent Cultivation Program” and engage in academic exchanges with the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, and its affiliated hospital. This visit followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions in August, officially launching multi-faceted cooperation in education and training, faculty exchange, patient referral, and research collaboration.

The CSMU delegation included Professor Chia-Tze Kao, Principal Investigator of the “New Southbound Oral Healthcare Cooperation Program”; Professor Chuan-Hang Yu, Chair of the Department of Dentistry; Professors Tsui-Hsien Huang and Chih-Yu Peng; Associate Professor Ming-Yi Lu; and Project Assistant Yu-Ju Hsiao. Centered on the theme of “Dental Clinical Training and Talent Cultivation,” the program covered topics such as the application of orthodontic miniscrews, digital implant workflows, treatment of sleep apnea, acupuncture for orofacial diseases, and the development of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Designed to combine theory with practice, the program attracted over 24 participants, including dental students, residents, and attending physicians, showcasing the tangible results of cross-border collaboration.

On September 17, CSMU and Universitas Indonesia jointly organized the “Oral Medicine Academic Exchange Symposium,” where professors from both sides delivered keynote lectures. Professor Kao presented on “Applications of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) and an Integrated Understanding of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).” Professor Huang discussed “Implant Rehabilitation in the Digital Era.” Associate Professor Lu shared “Applications of Collagen in Implant Dentistry and Oral Surgery.” Professor Yu elaborated on “Acupuncture Therapy for Orofacial Diseases,” while Professor Peng spoke on “The Development of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at CSMU Hospital.”

From Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Sariesendy Sumardi presented “Orthodontic Treatment of Adult Cleft Lip and Palate Patients,” while Professor Norifumi Nakamura discussed “Digital Transformation in Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: Challenges in Visualizing Surgical Outcomes,” highlighting the importance of precise planning in surgical procedures. A lively discussion followed on clinical challenges, digital dentistry, and craniofacial surgery strategies, further deepening professional exchange.

Another key focus of the trip was the follow-up care of Ratu, a 15-year-old Indonesian girl who became the first cross-border patient under this collaboration. She had previously traveled to Taiwan to undergo multiple procedures, including tooth extraction, exposure of impacted teeth, crown lengthening, and orthodontic bonding. This case not only demonstrated the effectiveness of cross-border treatment but also underscored the continuity and care of Taiwan-Indonesia medical cooperation.

In addition, the CSMU team visited Taiwan’s Representative Office in Indonesia, where they met with Ambassador Chen-Jung Hung and several officials. Beyond renewing ties, the two sides held in-depth discussions on Taiwan-Indonesia cooperation in medical education, with hopes of advancing long-term collaboration through the synergy of governmental support and academic expertise.

Professor Kao emphasized that this visit not only deepened bilateral exchanges in medical education and clinical practice but also embodied Taiwan’s medical expertise and international contributions under the New Southbound Policy. Looking ahead, CSMU plans to extend this model to other ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, establishing an international demonstration network for dental education and clinical cooperation, and continuing to advance the vision of “Rooted Locally, Health for Sustainability.”