UNAIR NEWS – A deep personal calling compelled dr Prita Kusumaningsih, SpOG, a 1983 graduate of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Faculty of Medicine, to take part in a humanitarian mission in Gaza, Palestine. The conflict-stricken region, scarred by long-standing injustice and suffering, moved her profoundly as a fellow human being.
Her connection to Gaza dates back to 2009 through the Indonesian humanitarian organization Bulan Sabit Merah Indonesia (BSMI). She explained that she embarked on the mission with full awareness of the dangers, from severe psychological strain to the possibility of losing her life.
“It truly felt like a unique calling, different from anywhere else. This region has endured injustice, relentless attacks, and a long history of struggle for its homeland. We knew the mission carried risks, but that calling outweighed every worst-case scenario,” she said.
Carrying out a noble duty
One of her most memorable experiences in Gaza was performing a Cesarean section on a 44-year-old mother for the tenth time, a case extremely rare in Indonesia and even globally. Successfully completing the procedure underscored the resilience required to work under such limited conditions.
“Alhamdulillah, the operation went smoothly. I found very minimal adhesions and the uterine wall was not thin, whereas in Indonesia, even a third Cesarean would typically cause thinning. When I checked on her the next morning, the parents asked me to name their tenth child,” she recalled.
She shared that her emotional strength amid the brutal realities of war came from deep spiritual grounding. The constant sound of bombs and drones became routine, yet her fellow medical volunteers demonstrated remarkable endurance. “Our closeness to Allah SWT was what sustained us most. We saw fellow medical workers who were deeply devoted, never complaining, only giving thanks,” she said.
Woman of Strength
For her extraordinary commitment, dr Prita received the “Anugerah Perempuan Hebat” (Inspiring Women Award) from Liputan6. The honor not only recognizes her individual contributions but also reflects the impact UNAIR alumni continue to make in humanitarian advocacy. The award further strengthens her resolve to speak out and support freedom for the people of Gaza.
“I’m grateful for this recognition. Believe me, what I’ve done is something others could also do, perhaps even more. But this award motivates me to continue doing more for Gaza,” she said.
Author: Mohammad Adif Albarado
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
