Reog Therapy UMPO Explores Cultural Health Innovation

UMPO.AC.ID  -  The Bachelor of Physiotherapy Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO) has taken a strategic step toward international collaboration. On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, representatives from UMPO paid an official visit to KPJ Healthcare University, Malaysia, with the aim of establishing long-term academic and research cooperation in the health sciences.

The UMPO delegation was led by the Head of the Physiotherapy Program, Septi Ayu Arum Yuspita Sari, S.Tr., M.K.M, accompanied by Oktaviani Fitriyah, S.Kes, the program's Quality Assurance Officer. They were welcomed by the leadership team of the School of Health Sciences at KPJ Healthcare University, including Prof. Dr. Khairiah Abd Hamid, Research Manager (Innovation and Commercialization), and Siti Nur Baait bt Mohd Sokran, Deputy Dean.

The visit resulted in the agreement of several collaborative initiatives, including:

* Joint international research

* International community service programs

* Curriculum benchmarking

* Student exchange programs

* International internship exchange

* Postgraduate studies (Master’s and Ph.D. levels)

One of the key research themes proposed by UMPO integrates health and local culture, particularly the use of Reog Ponorogo dance exercises as a preventive method for scoliosis-induced lower back pain in children. This culturally grounded idea received positive feedback from KPJ Healthcare University and was deemed aligned with their applied research priorities.

The collaboration also aims to enhance the quality and quantity of international publications and foster institutional and cross-border academic networks. The curriculum benchmarking component is designed to align UMPO’s educational standards with global best practices, particularly in teaching and assessment methods.

Student exchange and international internship programs are expected to broaden global perspectives, develop cross-cultural competencies, and strengthen students' academic and professional networks.

According to Septi Ayu Arum Yuspita Sari, this initiative marks only the beginning. "We hope this collaboration will extend beyond the Physiotherapy Program and involve other departments within Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo, especially in areas of research and academic development," she stated.

KPJ Healthcare University is known for its affiliation with a wide network of hospitals across Malaysia, which provides substantial access for research activities and clinical interventions within real-world healthcare settings.

This collaboration is anticipated to become a gateway for UMPO to enhance its global competitiveness and scientific contributions in the field of physiotherapy and public health at large.

(Ajeng Laksmita/Humas UMPO)