Public health graduate advancing equitable healthcare through policy
From his home in Jakarta, Stanley Saputra was keenly aware of Australia's commitment to achieving health equality and equity, especially for marginalised communities in remote areas.
“It resonated deeply with my aspirations for Indonesia,” says Stanley.
As a trained pharmacist, Stanley knows the value of accessible healthcare.
“In community settings, pharmacists are often the first point of contact for those with healthcare concerns,” says Stanley.
Being able to provide that kind of accessibility has been the backbone of Stanley’s professional career, and a guiding light in how he wants to make a difference in his home country of Indonesia.
“I felt an alignment in my own healthcare perspective, and what I saw in Australia, and this was the primary motivation for pursuing my studies at the University of Sydney,” says Stanley.
Pursuing public health in Australia
In 2023, Stanley moved to Australia to complete the Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney. This was a significant step in his goal of becoming a leader in shaping Indonesia’s public health strategy.
“Recognising the importance of evidence-based policy formulation and evaluation, as well as the need to effectively deliver and advocate for the adoption of evidence-based practices, I sought a program that would equip me with these skills,” reflects Stanley.
“The Master of Public Health program at the University of Sydney provided tailored learning with a customisable curriculum, allowing me to select units that aligned with my professional goals.
"The positive and supportive environment created by the lecturers and tutors gave me the freedom to explore new concepts without hesitation or fear of making mistakes.”
Beyond the classroom, one of Stanley’s most valuable experiences was his involvement in the MIRAGE (Multidisciplinary Interest in Rural and General Health Education) program where he had the opportunity to visit rural high schools, encouraging students to pursue careers in healthcare, while also deepening his understanding of healthcare systems in Australia’s regional areas.
“With the knowledge I gained studying in Australia, I am confident that I will be able to drive meaningful change and contribute significantly to improving public health outcomes in Indonesia," notes Stanley.
Turning passion to impact
After completing his degree, Stanley returned to Jakarta and is now working at Think Policy, a social enterprise that aims to solve intergenerational public policy issues in Indonesia.
It’s a role that draws heavily on the skills he gained at the University of Sydney.
“My work at Think Policy involves developing a comprehensive guideline to help regional governments improve financing and planning for Community Healthcare Workers (CHWs)," says Stanley.
“I also work with XSPI, an Australian NGO on their sustainability projects aimed at benefiting people in remote areas, focusing on initiatives for the Indonesian Government and industries."
Stanley is still actively involved in pharmacy, where he serves as a project chairperson in the Asian Young Pharmacist Group (AYPG) to help create programs that enhance the soft skills of young pharmacists across Asia.
The Master of Public Health has given Stanley a strong foundation in research and policy analysis, which he sees as invaluable to his work.
“The rigorous academic environment, coupled with practical learning opportunities, has sharpened my critical thinking and equipped me to navigate complex health issues using systems thinking,” notes Stanley.
“Looking ahead, I am committed to advancing equitable healthcare access in Indonesia, with a particular focus on strengthening primary healthcare in underserved regions.
"Building on the knowledge and skills I gained from my studies at the University of Sydney, I aspire to work closely with the Indonesian government to develop and implement policies that address healthcare disparities and improve the well-being of marginalised communities."
