HumasUPNVJ - Professor of the Faculty of Medicine, National Development University "Veteran" Jakarta (UPNVJ) Prof. Dr. dr. Basuki Supartono, Sp.OT, FICS, MARS gave a public lecture at the University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS) Gaza with the theme "Stem Cells: A New Hope for Humanity" online, Monday, March 17, 2025.
This lecture was attended by around 120 participants, the majority of whom were medical students, doctors and students of various disciplines from Palestine, both in Gaza and in several countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
Also present at the public lecture were the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine UCAS Gaza Prof. Dr. Ali Hamid, Former Director General of the Palestinian Ministry of Health Dr. Medhat Abbas and the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Red Crescent (BSMI) M Djazuli Ambari.
In his lecture, Prof. Basuki, who is also the Chairman of the BSMI Member Consultative Assembly, discussed the potential of stem cells in the fields of medicine and medical therapy.
Stem cells, he said, have extraordinary abilities in regenerating body tissue damaged by various diseases, injuries, or aging.
"This technology could offer new hope for patients who have failed traditional medical and surgical treatments, especially in diseases involving tissue or organ damage that is difficult to cure," he said.
Prof Basuki explained that stem cells can be regeneration agents. Stem cells have the ability to repair damaged body tissue, as well as overcome chronic inflammation that often hinders the natural healing process.
"An example is in diabetic wounds, where high blood sugar levels can cause damage to cells and tissues, which makes healing very slow," he said.
He also explained that tissue engineering techniques that utilize stem cells are increasingly developing. Through this approach, cells, scaffolds, and signaling molecules such as growth factors are used to repair or replace damaged tissue.
Prof. Basuki also explained that stem cells have various types of potential, such as pluripotent and multipotent, which allow them to develop into various types of body cells.
The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by Shinya Yamanaka in 2006 was a major breakthrough, as it allowed the use of fibroblast cells that had been reprogrammed to have pluripotent properties without raising the ethical issues inherent in the use of embryonic stem cells.
Prof. Basuki reminded that although stem cells offer great potential, their use must be in accordance with ethical and legal regulations, including ensuring that no harm or difficulties arise for the donor or recipient of the cells.
The lecture was highly appreciated by the attendees, who saw it as an opportunity for medical personnel in Palestine for the future of health care after the genocide crisis.
Not only that, Prof. Basuki also conveyed prayers for the advancement of science and human health, especially for the Palestinian people who are facing various challenges.
"With the blessings and grace of Allah SWT, we hope that stem cell technology can bring significant changes in the medical world and provide benefits to humanity throughout the world," he said.
He hopes that this lecture will be a source of inspiration for researchers and medical practitioners in Gaza and beyond, and encourage international collaboration in the development of safe and effective stem cell-based therapies.