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The Bachelor of Midwifery and Midwifery Professional Education Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine (FK), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Indonesia, in collaboration with the Department of Midwifery at the Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand, organized the "Thai–Indonesia Midwifery Case Conference 2026" on Monday, September 28, 2026. Held virtually and co-chaired by Associate Professor Thiwawan Thepha (RN, Midwife, PhD) and Dr. Rizka Ayu Setyani (SST, MPH), the event aimed to provide a collaborative learning space for midwifery students and academics from both Indonesia and Thailand. The goal was to strengthen clinical reasoning and professional communication skills while fostering an understanding of the differing contexts of maternal care services.

The conference brought together over 120 students and faculty members from both institutions. Two groups from UNS participated as presenters, guided by faculty facilitators Rufidah Maulina (S.ST., M.Sc.) and Nurul Jannatul Wahidah (S.ST., M.Kes.). The cases presented focused on midwifery care for a woman in labor—specifically regarding hemorrhage prevention in primary care—and a case of precipitate labor in a multigravida woman with anemia. The learning model was designed to go beyond standard case presentations, incorporating a "present–think–discuss–compare–learn together" framework; this encouraged participants to understand the rationale behind each clinical decision and compare it with approaches used in the other country.

During the case study session from Thailand, participants discussed two critical clinical issues: threatened preterm labor with rapid progression and pregnancy-induced hypertension presenting with signs of preeclampsia. These cases were selected to enhance students' skills in risk assessment, recognizing danger signs, prioritizing care, evaluating management options, and understanding the necessity of collaboration and referral.

In her remarks, the Vice Dean for Academic and Research Affairs at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret (FK UNS), Prof. Dr. Eti Poncorini Pamungkasari, dr., M.Pd., emphasized the importance of internationalizing health education through contextual and collaborative learning. "This activity demonstrates that the internationalization of education is not merely about bringing together students from two countries; it is about providing a learning experience that strengthens clinical competence and communication skills, while preparing graduates to face global health challenges."

Echoing this sentiment, the Head of the Undergraduate Midwifery Study Program, Dr. Ika Sumiyarsi Sukamto, S.SiT., M.Kes., stated that this activity is part of an effort to strengthen case-based learning and international exposure. This was further supported by the Head of the Midwifery Professional Education Study Program, who noted, "Students need to learn that clinical decisions do not exist in isolation. They must be able to integrate clinical data, evidence, patient safety, communication, cultural factors, and healthcare systems when determining midwifery care."

Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Wiphawadee Potisopha, PhD, RN—Assistant Dean for Global Affairs at the Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University—emphasized that the exchange of perspectives between Thailand and Indonesia can enrich the students' learning process. “Through sharing real clinical cases, students can learn not only different approaches to midwifery care, but also how clinical reasoning is shaped by culture, health systems, resources, and professional practice.”

This initiative supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Expected outcomes include enhanced clinical reasoning, English communication skills, and cross-cultural competence, as well as the expansion of international midwifery education networks.

Looking ahead, there is potential to further develop this initiative through student and staff/faculty exchanges, research and community service activities, and joint publications. Ultimately, "Midwifery Across Borders" is envisioned not merely as a conference, but as part of an ongoing collaboration to strengthen midwifery education on a global scale.

Public Relations of FK UNS