PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP: THE NEED FOR INDONESIA

Sir, Disease outbreaks and epidemics drawing worldwide attention emphasize the successful roles of public health professionals. In Indonesia, public health leaders have been questioned for their competences and policy stances. It can be seen from the today’s public health problems, which are more complex compared to the 20 century. There is widespread recognition that the challenges posed by stroke, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, HIV AIDS, alcohol, smoking, fake vaccine, Zika virus, disparities between rich and poor, and natural emergencies (i.e., earthquakes, floods), which can cause poor population health outcomes to include morbidity and mortality. Public health leaders have a major role to play in addressing these complex challenges. Public health approaches are required to save lives and promote wellness of Indonesian survivors. The roles of public health leadership often call for far-reaching decisions that will affect the health of community. Although sometimes it is difficult to make decision, even to gain consensus on defining the problem and determining a solution. Pros and cons are often raised by context and culture, questions regarding whether it is even ‘appropriate’ for government, the private sector, religious groups or others to be involved in potential solutions. Not surprisingly, the sense of chaos is often created from the simultaneous collision of all these many dimensions. However, decisions must be made despite conflicting data, divergent opinions, and competing political agendas. Public health leaders in this regard require an understanding of current and emerging community health issues, and public health practice science. In line with that, public health institutions in Indonesia are demanded to provide adequate training program and leadership curriculum to the present and the next generation to have the skills include the ability to guide organizational