UNAIR NEWS — The Faculty of Nursing (FKp) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to advance its global footprint. Two of UNAIR’s prominent researchers, Prof Ferry Efendi and Dr Makhfudli, recently formed a strategic research partnership with Sapporo City University (SCU) in Japan. The collaboration took place from Saturday to Wednesday (November 22–26, 2025).
This initiative goes far beyond a routine academic exchange. The research will address a growing international concern: the long-term implications and sustainability of nurse migration to Japan, including the experiences of nurses from Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. With Japan facing demographic challenges and a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals, the findings are expected to provide evidence-based guidance for policymakers across East and Southeast Asia.
During the intensive sessions, the UNAIR researchers worked closely with Prof Hikaru Honda, an internationally recognized expert in Community Nursing at SCU. The discussions also included nursing graduate student Arsyad Syauqi, an Indonesian nurse employed as a Kangoshi in Sapporo who is currently pursuing a master’s degree at SCU. The collaboration reflects UNAIR’s credibility and capacity as an equal partner in global research endeavors.
Research agenda
The agenda began with a thorough discussion on study design, including refining the research focus, choosing appropriate methodologies, and developing an analytical framework. The team then conducted an extensive literature review and held strategic discussions on the dynamics of nurse migration, followed by a multi-level analysis of its impact and sustainability.
The sustainability of international nurse migration programs was assessed at three levels: (1) Macro: national labor conditions, migration policies, and ongoing reforms within Japan’s healthcare system; (2) Meso: readiness of sending and receiving institutions, curriculum alignment, and organizational support; (3) Micro: migrant nurses’ adaptation experiences, overall well-being, and professional development.
Major benefits for UNAIR and Indonesia
This international partnership strengthens UNAIR’s position as a leading institution in nursing research across the ASEAN region. The contributions of UNAIR’s researchers aim to deliver not only practical impact but also evidence-based policy recommendations, support for healthcare workforce development, and enhanced resilience within regional health systems.
The collaboration also expands UNAIR’s academic network and creates new opportunities for future research, academic exchanges, and capacity building in global nursing studies. “This partnership shows that Indonesian researchers, especially those from UNAIR, play a vital role in global discussions about healthcare workforce mobility,” Prof Efendi said.
Through this strong partnership with Sapporo City University, the research is expected to produce a comprehensive understanding of the future of international nurse migration, an issue central to sustaining global healthcare services. Once again, UNAIR demonstrates its commitment to impactful global research, reinforcing its reputation and generating meaningful benefits for society.
Author: Dr Makhfudli
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
