Universitas Indonesia (UI) inaugurated Prof. Dr. dr. Murti Andriastuti, Sp.A(K)., as a professor in the field of Hematology Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FK), on Wednesday, February 5, at the IMERI Hall FKUI, UI Salemba Campus. At the inauguration led by UI Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., Prof. Murti delivered her inaugural speech titled “‘Closing the gap’ Angka Kesintasan Kanker Anak di Indonesia dengan Negara Maju: Perlunya Terobosan Strategi Penanganan Kanker Anak dari Hulu ke Hilir” (‘Closing the Gap’ Childhood Cancer Survival Rates in Indonesia with Developed Countries: The Need for Breakthroughs in Childhood Cancer Handling Strategies from Upstream to Downstream) and became the 13th UI Professor to be inaugurated in 2025.
In her speech, Prof. Murti said that childhood cancer is a health problem that has a major impact on children’s growth and development. In fact, this also affects the economic and psychosocial factors of parents and families. Globally, more than 413,000 cases of childhood cancer were estimated in 2020, with 80% occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Among these cases, 44% were diagnosed at an advanced stage, and only 20% survived.
She further said that the success of treating childhood cancer is reflected in the percentage of survival rates. The average global survival rate in developed countries can reach 80%, while the survival rate for childhood cancer in Indonesia varies greatly from 24% – 49.5%. “The gap in survival rates that occurs between developing and developed countries is influenced by many factors, one of which is late diagnosis. Early detection by recognizing early symptoms of the disease is very important and is the main strategy for treating childhood cancer,” said Prof. Murti.
She added that treatment will be more optimal with a good prognosis if the patient is still in the early stages. Unfortunately, this is not easy because the early symptoms of cancer in children are not specific and can resemble symptoms of other diseases so most patients are referred to in advanced stages with a poor prognosis.
Prof. Murti explained that three main factors influence late diagnosis. First, patient factors, including social and economic levels, tendencies for denial, and family preferences for alternative treatments. Second, the type of cancer factor, for example solid tumors in visible locations will be easier to recognize, while brain tumors with atypical symptoms often take longer to diagnose. Finally, the health facility and personnel factor, namely the imbalance in the number and distribution of referral hospitals for children’s cancer and the multidisciplinary personnel needed.
Furthermore, understanding the flow of cancer treatment in children, from upstream to downstream, starting from the onset of symptoms, diagnostics, management, palliative care, to cancer survivors must be continuous and interrelated, so that attention is required in every aspect. The childhood cancer treatment program issued by the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Indonesian Ministry of Health must be followed up with real programs in order to achieve the target survival rate of >60% by 2030.
“In order to face the various challenges of childhood cancer treatment in Indonesia, a multidisciplinary strategy is needed that includes early detection, strengthening health service infrastructure, increasing the capacity of health workers, innovative financing models, research and collaboration, and comprehensive patient care through integrated recording and monitoring systems,” said Prof. Murti.
In the innovative financing model, Prof. Murti said that in addition to strengthening the role of BPJS as the main financing system, hospitals can partner with non-profit organizations and the private sector to support funding for infrastructure, technology, availability of human resources, and development of therapies. This collaborative approach aims to ease the financial burden on patients, ensure access to referral hospitals, and help hospitals provide standard patient care. Flexibility in the use of funds is also very necessary considering that each patient has different needs even though the diagnosis is the same.
In addition, recording and monitoring systems are also very crucial and are the initial steps that must be prepared. If done properly, it will become very valuable big data and can be used for evaluation, not only for patients but also for the benefit of the hospital. In this case, commitment and periodic evaluation are needed so that well integrated recording and monitoring systems are formed.
“I am optimistic that, with the development of a holistic health system that includes integrated monitoring since diagnosis, targeted and standardized treatment, increased compliance to prevent recurrence, and comprehensive support for patients and families, we can change the face of childhood cancer services in Indonesia,” said Prof. Murti.
Before being inaugurated as a UI professor, Prof. Murti completed her medical education at FKUI in 1991. Still at the same campus, in 2002 she graduated from the Specialist Doctor Education Program 1 in Pediatrics. Then, in 2011 she received a Subspecialist degree in Pediatric Hematology Oncology, from the Indonesian Pediatrics College. Then, in 2015 she successfully obtained a Doctorate in Medical Science at FKUI.
