Indonesia once again demonstrated its commitment to the development of human resources in gastrointestinal endoscopy through the participation of five young gastroenterologists in the International Young Endoscopist Award (IYEA)–International Digestive Endoscopy Network (IDEN) 2026 program. Organized by the International Digestive Endoscopy Network (IDEN) in collaboration with the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE), the program was held from 1–13 June 2026 across several leading medical centers in South Korea.

Since its inception in 2014, the IYEA program has provided advanced clinical training opportunities to 465 young endoscopists from 48 countries. Through intensive observerships at high-volume endoscopy centers in South Korea, participants gain valuable exposure to the latest developments in gastrointestinal endoscopy, enhance their clinical competencies, and build international professional networks.

In 2026, five Indonesian internist-endoscopists were selected to represent the country in the prestigious program: Dr. Cecilia Oktaria Permatadewi (Semarang), Dr. Nisma Aulia (Yogyakarta), Dr. Komang Agus Wira Nugraha (Denpasar), Dr. Lucrezia Renata (Jakarta), and Dr. Muhammad Faisal Prananda (Jakarta).

Throughout the program, participants were assigned to leading endoscopy centers according to their areas of interest and training focus, enabling them to gain firsthand experience from renowned experts and observe the latest advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.

Dr. Cecilia Oktaria Permatadewi underwent training in Advanced Endoscopy, including Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), at Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, under the supervision of Prof. Young Koog Cheon, Prof. Tae Yoon Lee, and Prof. Se Min Kim. During her observership, she attended advanced endoscopic procedures, participated in case discussions, and exchanged experiences with fellow international participants.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nisma Aulia joined the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, under the mentorship of Prof. Jae Hyun Kim, Prof. Sung Eun Kim, Prof. Kyoungwon Jung, and Prof. Myung Hun Lee. Her training focused on advanced upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and included observations of various therapeutic endoscopic procedures routinely performed in a tertiary referral center.

Through the observership program, Dr. Nisma gained direct exposure to advanced procedures such as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), balloon dilatation, stent insertion, and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG). The experience provided valuable insights into the application of contemporary endoscopic techniques and the management of complex gastroenterological cases.

Dr. Komang Agus Wira Nugraha received specialized training in Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) at Konyang University Hospital, under the supervision of Prof. Ryu Kihyun and Dr. Sanghyuk Lee. During the program, he observed a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures utilizing EUS and ERCP for the management of biliary, pancreatic, and upper gastrointestinal diseases.

At the same time, Dr. Lucrezia Renata participated in a training program at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH), Seoul, under the guidance of Prof. Sang Hyub Lee, Prof. Min Woo Lee, and Prof. Jin Ho Choi. Her training focused on ERCP and EUS, providing opportunities to observe advanced pancreatobiliary procedures and engage in case-based discussions with experts in the field.

Dr. Muhammad Faisal Prananda completed his Advanced Endoscopy observership at Asan Medical Center under the supervision of Prof. Sang Hyoung Park and Prof. Ahn Ji Yong. Throughout the program, he participated in clinical observations and academic discussions that offered comprehensive insights into emerging endoscopic technologies and the management of complex gastrointestinal disorders. The experience provided an invaluable opportunity to learn best practices from one of the world’s leading endoscopy centers.

A highlight of the program took place on 10 June 2026, when all IYEA participants gathered at the Olympus Korea Medical Training & Education Center (K-TEC) for a hands-on EUS training session. The educational activities continued with the IYEA Forum and Annual Meeting on 11 June 2026, where participants and mentors engaged in scientific discussions and presentations. Several participants also presented their research findings and clinical cases through oral and poster presentation sessions alongside researchers and clinicians from various countries. The program culminated with mandatory participation in the IDEN 2026 Conference, held on 12–13 June 2026 at Grand Walkerhill Seoul, bringing together experts and young endoscopists from around the world to discuss the latest innovations and developments in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

The Indonesian delegation’s participation in IDEN 2026 became even more meaningful through the opportunity to meet Prof. Marcellus Simadibrata, PhD, FACG, FASGE, FINASIM, who served as a moderator in one of the scientific sessions of the congress. The encounter was a proud moment for the Indonesian participants and highlighted Indonesia’s active contribution to the international gastroenterology and endoscopy community.

The IYEA–IDEN 2026 program not only served as a platform for advancing clinical competencies but also fostered international collaboration that is expected to contribute positively to the development of gastrointestinal endoscopy services in Indonesia.

The Executive Board of the Indonesian Society for Digestive Endoscopy (PB PEGI) extends its appreciation to all participants who proudly represented Indonesia in the IYEA–IDEN 2026 program. We hope that the knowledge, experience, and international networks gained through this program will inspire the next generation of Indonesian endoscopists to continuously enhance their competencies, expand global collaborations, and actively contribute to international scientific activities.

Photo source: Personal documentation (used with permission).