UNAIR NEWS Indonesia is an archipelagic nation comprised of more than 17,000 islands. Although many lie far from the bustle of major cities, each island has its own natural charm. Among them is Bawean Island, located in the heart of the Java Sea.
Due to its geographical isolation, Bawean residents must travel nearly four hours by sea to access major urban facilities. The distance is not just a matter of miles, such a lengthy voyage presents a significant barrier to obtaining comprehensive healthcare. The challenges are heightened by unpredictable weather and shifting tides that frequently disrupt travel.
Ongoing efforts to assess and strengthen healthcare
Local authorities continue to evaluate and upgrade healthcare services, working alongside academic experts to raise the standard of care. One of those experts is Dr. Lestari Sudaryanti, dr., M.Kes, a lecturer at 51动漫檚 Faculty of Medicine (FK).
Sudaryanti led a community outreach program titled Integrated Maternal Health and Welfare Improvement (PK2T) Based on Community Development on Bawean Island from Thursday to Saturday (Nov. 1315, 2025). 淭his initiative focuses on pregnant women with high-risk conditions, as well as midwives and other health workers involved in maternal care, she said.
The program is part of a broader effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Sudaryanti stressed that with proper maternal healthcare, many of these deaths are preventable. 淲hen expectant mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups and their information is properly documented, midwives and health workers are better able to anticipate risks for both mother and baby, she explained.
Crucial role of MCH Handbook
Sudaryanti emphasized that one of the most important tools for improving maternal health is the effective use of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook, which women receive during their first prenatal appointment. 淭he MCH Handbook is an essential resource for both expectant mothers and healthcare workers. Beyond bringing it to every check-up, mothers can use it as reading material at home. It contains comprehensive information on pregnancy and child development, she said.
Proper use of the handbook allows pregnant women to take a more active role in their care. It helps them identify warning signs, follow appointment schedules, and understand nutritional needs. The handbook also provides health workers with critical reference information, especially during emergencies.
She added that the handbook is complemented by a health-record system linked to the cohort book used by healthcare workers. When both tools are filled out accurately, they provide a clearer overview of a patient檚 condition. 淚f the data in the MCH Handbook and the cohort book matches, health workers can more quickly determine whether a patient can continue receiving care locally or needs referral to a higher-level facility, she said.
Sudaryanti hopes that expectant mothers will use the handbook consistently. 淟et檚 make full use of the MCH Handbook. Take a moment to read through its pages. It serves as a guide for mothers to maintain their health and support their baby檚 development, she urged.
Weather obstacles do not deter service
Despite three consecutive days of heavy rain on Bawean Island, Sudaryanti remained committed to her community service work. Slippery, muddy roads made travel difficult, but equipped with a folding umbrella and guided by local midwives, she continued her visits to the homes of pregnant women in need. 淚 hope this program contributes to improving maternal health and strengthening local healthcare services, she said.
Drg. Saiful, Head of the Sangkapura Community Health Center, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. For him, the program brings renewed optimism to maternal healthcare in the area. He hopes similar initiatives will continue. 淭hank you, Dr. Sudaryanti, for traveling all the way from Surabaya. We hope this effort helps enhance maternal services here. We look forward to future programs that support better health outcomes for the people of Bawean, he concluded.
Author:
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
