Pande Putu Januraga: Advancing Inclusive Health Through HIV Research in Indonesia

Professor Pande Putu Januraga’s journey into public health began not in a laboratory or lecture hall, but in a clinic. Trained as a medical doctor, he soon recognised that treating individual patients was only a part of the solution. The deeper challenge lies in addressing systemic inequities, how healthcare systems respond to communities and how policy shapes access and outcomes. 

That realisation marked a turning point. In 2008, he completed a Masters of Public Health at Universitas Diponegoro, driven by a growing commitment to evidence-based and community-oriented care. In the same year, he joined an Australia Awards Fellowship—Strengthening Public Health Leadership in Eastern Indonesia— at the Macfarlane Burnet Institute of Medical Research and Public Health, The University of Melbourne.  

‘It was my first time travelling abroad and being exposed to international studies. I thought this is how international education always looks: efficient, collaborative and deeply structured,’ he said.  

Building Research Excellence Through Collaboration 

Between 2009 and 2011, Pande joined the Field Research Training Programme (FRTP) at the Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). While the program did not confer a formal degree, it offered rigorous, hands-on training in epidemiology, field research and cross-border collaboration. 

Working alongside international researchers, Pande contributed to one of the earliest longitudinal analyses of HIV epidemiology in Bali. The study revealed a complex and shifting landscape: while HIV prevalence among prisoners had declined, rates had risen sharply among women engaged in sex work and remained persistently high among key populations. 

These findings were more than academic. They underscored critical gaps in surveillance systems and highlighted the urgent need for targeted and data-driven prevention strategies. 

The research was later published in an international peer-reviewed journal, marking one of his early contributions to understanding the evolving dynamics of the HIV epidemic in Bali and across Indonesia. 

‘The program gave me more than research skills. It also helped me build connections with researchers and institutions that later became long-term collaborators in many of my projects,’ Pande said. 

From Researcher to Thought Leader 

In 2015, Pande commenced a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at Flinders University, supported by a competitive scholarship from Indonesia's Directorate General of Higher Education (DIKTI). Drawing on the network he had built through earlier engagement, he secured supervisors aligned with his research vision. 

'I maintained strong networks from my earlier visits to Australia. These connections helped me identify supervisors who understood the research context I was coming from and supported my proposal,' he said. 

In 2018, Pande played a key role in the SeKSI Study1 (National Sexual Health Survey of Indonesia), a landmark collaboration between the Kirby Institute at the UNSW and Universitas Udayana. The study addressed a significant data gap on men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women , where HIV prevalence among MSM had reached 36 per cent.  

Surveying more than 700 participants, the research generated critical behavioural insights, including high rates of condomless sex and widespread experiences of stigma and discrimination. These findings have since informed more targeted and inclusive HIV prevention strategies.  

‘For years, programmes for MSM and transgender women in Bali relied on limited data. The SeKSI Study helped generate behavioural insights that can guide prevention strategies and community services,’ he said. 

Leadership in Academia and Institutional Reform  

In 2021, at just 42 years old, Pande became one of the youngest professors in Indonesia's public health sector, an achievement that reflects not only academic excellence but also sustained impact.  

At Universitas Udayana, he leads the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, championing an approach that bridges research, education and real-world application. 

Beyond academia, he serves as Vice Director of Academics and Human Resources at Universitas Udayana Hospital. Drawing on his experience in Australia, he introduced governance reforms, including clearer role delineation, performance-based evaluation systems and stronger integration between clinical services and academic research. 

Rather than replicating the external models, Pande adapted them to Indonesia’s institutional and cultural context, demonstrating both strategic thinking and adaptive leadership.   

'It wasn’t just about copying what I saw in Australia, it was about adapting those systems to fit our cultural and institutional context,' he added. 

Driving Impact Through Research and Policy 

With more than 180 publications, Pande has established himself as a leading voice in HIV research and public health in Indonesia. His works span epidemiology, community-based healthcare models and health systems strengthening.  

His widely cited study in The Lancet HIV2 on HIV care among key populations has helped shape Indonesia’s test-and-treat strategy. 

'I chose to focus on HIV and marginalised groups because they are too often excluded from public health conversations.  Working with these communities has taught me that equity must be at the centre of health research,' Pande explained. 

He has also led major projects supported by the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) - Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), focusing on HIV self-testing and strengthening Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery systems. These initiatives combine innovation with scalable, system-level solutions, improving access to HIV services across Indonesia. 

 'My time at Kirby Institute UNSW, Flinders University and Burnet Institute helped me understand that impactful public health work requires long-term thinking, multidisciplinary teams and rigorous community involvement,’ he shared. 

Engagement Beyond Academia 

Pande's influence extends beyond universities and research institutions. At the Centre for Public Health Innovation (CPHI) at Universitas Udayana, he leads initiatives targeting underserved and stigmatised communities. Under his leadership, the centre has become a recognised hub for applied public health research in Indonesia.  

He also contributes to national policy, serving on the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s expert panel on HIV/AIDS and advising regional research and development bodies. These roles position him at the intersection of science and policy. His commitment to community engagement is reflected in his long-term involvement with Yayasan Kerti Praja (YKP) and his leadership at the Institute for Health Innovation (PIKAT), where he supports outreach, research and health system. 

'During my time in Australia, I learned how inclusive public health systems can make a real difference. Public health should serve those most in need, that’s what drives my work to this day,’ Pande said. 

Strengthening Global Partnership 

International collaborations remain central to Pande’s work. In 2022, the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Udayana hosted a delegation from the Kirby Institute3. The visit reinforced a long-standing partnership grounded in shared research priorities. 

The collaboration continues to expand through education, joint research and collaborative training, creating opportunities for emerging scholars and strengthening institutional capacity. 

‘Our collaboration with UNSW has already created meaningful opportunities for research and training. Moving forward, we hope to expand this partnership, particularly through joint academic research and collaboration,’ he said.  

His current work centres on strengthening domestic support systems, mentoring the next generation of public health leaders and fostering cross-sector collaboration to ensure continuity and innovation. Through a career defined by a strong sense of justice and professionalism, Pande Putu Januraga exemplifies the kind of leadership needed to address complex health challenges.