UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta recently celebrated the inauguration of a distinguished professor. He was Prof. Tonang Dwi Ardyanto, dr., Sp.PK., Subsp. IK(K), Ph.D., FISQua, CHAE. He became the 50th professor in the Faculty of Medicine (FK) and the 338th professor at UNS. This significant occasion took place during the Open Senate Session at the GPH Haryo Mataram Auditorium on Monday (10/2/2025).
The inaugural speech was titled “Community-Based Clinical Immunology: Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic and Future Anticipation.” Prof. Tonang emphasized the critical role of clinical immunology. He highlighted its importance in tackling public health challenges. In addition, he specifically discussed its importance in the post-Covid-19 era. His expertise promises to make lasting contributions to the field and society at large.
Academic Background and Expertise
Prof. Tonang is a highly regarded academic specializing in Clinical Immunology. Born in Boyolali, he earned his undergraduate degree from the Faculty of Medicine at UNS. He went on to obtain his Master’s and Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology from Tottori University, Japan. Additionally, Prof. Tonang completed his Clinical Pathology Specialist Program at UNS. He also completed his Clinical Immunology Subspecialist Program at the Indonesian College of Clinical Pathology (Patklin).
Throughout his career, Prof. Tonang has made substantial contributions to the medical field. From 2015 to 2024, he served as Vice Director of UNS Hospital and has been a consultant for PT Prodia Widyahusada since 2021.
The Covid-19 Pandemic and Clinical Immunology’s Role
In his speech, Prof. Tonang reflected on how the Covid-19 pandemic reshaped the understanding of clinical immunology in Indonesia. The country’s first Covid-19 case was reported on March 2, 2020. Peak cases occurred between July and September 2021. By the time the WHO declared the end of the pandemic on May 5, 2023, Indonesia had recorded 6,78 million cases and 161.404 deaths. The Indonesian government officially lifted the Covid-19 emergency status through Presidential Decree No. 48 of 2023 on August 4, 2023.
“Clinical Pathologists (Sp.PK) played a vital role throughout the Covid-19 patient management process,” Prof. Tonang noted. “Their responsibilities ranged from early diagnosis and treatment to ongoing monitoring and recovery assessments.” He also pointed out that while the pandemic may be officially over, the virus has shifted to endemic status. This shift requires a community-based approach to clinical immunology.
Expanding Clinical Immunology in Public Health
For Prof. Tonang, Clinical Pathologists must apply their knowledge not only in hospitals and laboratories. They must also apply it in pre-hospital and post-hospital care. He emphasized the importance of integrating Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and Value-Based Medicine (VBM) into clinical immunology practice.
During the pandemic, public communication about clinical immunology evolved significantly. Initial misinformation sparked debates, but over time, the accuracy and clarity of information improved. As an academic, Prof. Tonang underscored the need for medical professionals and scientists to act as communicators. He emphasized their role in bridging the gap between science and public policy.
“Being a bridge often involves challenges,” Prof. Tonang explained. “It can lead to misconceptions about one’s stance, whether supporting or criticizing the government, helping or blaming society. Yet, the principle of clinical immunology is to ‘be everywhere without taking sides, but contributing everywhere.’”
Recognition and Commitment to Future Research
For his contributions to clinical immunology and public health policy, Prof. Tonang received several prestigious awards. These included the Achmad Bakrie Award in Medicine (2022) and the Health Communicator Award from the Ministry of Health (2023). Moreover, he also received as the Best Presenter Award at ICOMESH 2023.
As a professor, Prof. Tonang is committed to advancing community-based clinical immunology research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. “We must work together. We complement one another to build a better future for society and anticipate future health emergencies,” he concluded.
Humas UNS
Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
