Udayana University Reinforces Its Commitment Toward a Rabies-Free Bali 2030 Through the 2025 National Seminar and Veterinary Workshop III

Denpasar — Udayana University, through the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, once again reaffirmed its strong commitment to actively contributing to the elimination of rabies from the Island of Bali. This commitment was emphasized during the National Seminar and Veterinary Workshop III 2025 carrying the theme “Together Preventing and Combating Animal and Zoonotic Diseases: Toward a Rabies-Free Bali 2030”, held at Inna Sindu Beach Hotel on Friday (October 17, 2025).

The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs of Udayana University, Prof. Dr. Gusti Ngurah Alit Susanta Wirya, S.P., M.Agr., and attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. drh. I Gusti Ngurah Sudisma, M.Si.; Director of Veterinary Public Health, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. drh. I Ketut Wirata, M.Si.; Chair of the Expert Group of the Province of Bali, Prof. Dr. I Made Damriyasa, M.S.; Head of the Bali Traditional Village Council (MDA), Ida Penglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet; as well as academics, researchers, practitioners, professional organizations, and representatives from government institutions and NGOs. Representatives from 12 Faculties of Veterinary Medicine across Indonesia — including UGM, IPB, UNAIR, Hasanuddin, Andalas, Brawijaya, Unpad, Undana, and Warmadewa — were also present, reinforcing the spirit of cross-sector and multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve the shared vision of a “Rabies-Free Bali 2030.”

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Gusti Ngurah Alit Susanta Wirya stressed that rabies is not merely a veterinary issue but a multidimensional threat that affects health, safety, and even Bali’s tourism image.

“We gather here not merely to fulfill an academic obligation, but to rekindle the flame of a struggle born from deep concern. Rabies is not just a statistic—it represents cries and losses,” he stated.

He emphasized that the mission of “Bali Zero Rabies by 2030” is not simply a slogan, but a declaration of total war against preventable zoonotic diseases. Udayana University, he continued, stands ready at the forefront of this effort through the implementation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education).

“In education, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine shapes health patriots, not just veterinary technocrats. In research, our studies must serve as a roadmap for policy. In community service, we break through the barriers of ignorance within traditional villages,” he asserted.

Concluding his remarks, he expressed appreciation to the organizing committee and all contributors, reaffirming Udayana University’s unwavering determination to continue the fight until Bali is truly free from rabies.

“May this flame of struggle continue to burn until the day we can proudly declare: Bali is Rabies-Free!” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. drh. I Gusti Ngurah Sudisma, M.Si., in his address, stated that the seminar is a concrete manifestation of the university’s commitment to realizing an Impactful Campus through contributions to public health and animal welfare issues.

“This activity is not merely an academic forum but a moment to unite our spirit and shared vision—to make tangible contributions to rabies prevention and embody the spirit of an Impactful Campus,” he remarked.

Dr. Sudisma explained that the event is expected to produce an Operational Guideline for Rabies Control as a collaborative document that integrates scientific research, field experience, and cross-sectoral policy.

“We aim to ensure that the outcomes of this forum are not just activity reports or academic publications, but a national reference document that can be implemented and continuously refined together,” he added.

During the seminar, two plenary sessions were held, moderated by drh. I.B. Windia Adnyana, Ph.D., an academic from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University.

The First Plenary Session began with a presentation by the Director of Veterinary Public Health, Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, on “The Rabies Situation and Disease Control Policy in Animals.” This was followed by a presentation by the Coordinator of the Provincial Expert Group of Bali, discussing “The Regulatory Relay and Law Enforcement in Rabies Control in Bali.”

The Second Plenary Session opened with a presentation by the Head of the Bali Traditional Village Council (MDA) on “The Role of Custom and Culture in Supporting the Bali Rabies-Free Program.” The session continued with a scientific presentation from drh. I.B. Windia Adnyana, Ph.D., titled “Toward a Rabies-Free Bali 2030: An Integrated Strategy for Zero by 30.”