It is a point of pride for any academic program when its graduates continue to make a meaningful impact in society.
Since graduating from the Master’s Program in Biomedical Engineering at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2016, Djoko Kuswanto, S.T., M.Biotech has contributed a range of innovations in healthcare, especially in biomedical technology. His career has been focused on the development of digital-based medical technology to improve the quality of healthcare services in Indonesia.
Djoko began teaching in the Department of Industrial Design (1997–2023), after completing his studies, and later in the Medical Technology Study Program (2024–present) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya.
“I want to integrate biomedical engineering, industrial design, and basic medical science to create innovative health solutions,” he said.
In 2018, Djoko established the Rumah Prostesis Indonesia Foundation, which focuses on producing and donating prosthetics to people with disabilities. A year later, he initiated the creation of the Integrated Digital Design Research Center for Medical (iDIG-RCMed) in collaboration with Universitas Airlangga Hospital.
“This research aims to develop integrated digital design workflows for custom implant creation, pre-operative planning, and medical rehabilitation technology,” he explained.
To support the development of medical technology in Indonesia, ITS founded PT Tekno Sains Medika in 2021, a company focused on developing and distributing medical devices in accordance with both national and international standards.
One of its flagship innovations is a more affordable cranial implant developed using digital fabrication technology.
Challenges in Material Supply
However, the path of innovation hasn’t been without obstacles. One of the biggest challenges has been the limited access to medical-grade raw materials, which still rely heavily on imports.
“Materials like titanium and PEEK, commonly used for implants, are expensive and difficult to obtain,” he said.
To address this, Djoko developed an alternative method using Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a more affordable material that can be produced locally.
Beyond material challenges, Indonesia’s infrastructure has not yet fully supported the implementation of advanced technology.
Djoko continues to promote training programs and collaborations with medical and academic institutions to improve the competency of healthcare professionals and expand access to digital fabrication technology.
Academic Foundation and Research Roots
The knowledge he gained during his studies at UGM laid the foundation for his innovations.
“My research on cranial bone reconstruction using Additive Manufacturing gave me a deep understanding of implant creation and the challenges of real-world implementation,” he said.
Message for Students
To students aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Djoko encourages them to continue honing their skills in digital design, digital fabrication, and critical analysis.
“Don’t be afraid to try new approaches to solve health problems. Innovation isn’t always about cutting-edge technology—it’s about creating practical solutions that fit local needs,” he advised.
Through continuous innovation and collaboration, Djoko Kuswanto hopes that biomedical technology in Indonesia will grow and bring real benefits to society.
According to Ir. Rini Dharmastiti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Chief of the Biomedical Engineering Master Program at UGM, Djoko Kuswanto was recognized for his contributions in innovation, design, and creativity.
He was awarded Outstanding Alumni on October 27th, 2023, during the peak celebration of the 8th Lustrum of UGM’s Graduate School.
“Keep the spirit alive to continue creating and innovating for the nation through biomedical engineering, so that more people can benefit from the outcomes of your work,” she said.
This article was also published in Tribun Newspaper on Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at the following link:
https://jogja.tribunnews.com/2025/03/29/djoko-kuswanto-inovasi-teknik-biomedis-untuk-meningkatkan-kesehatan-masyarakat