The 1st International Conference on Population and Family Development (ICoPoF) 2026 highlighted Indonesia’s family structures as a cornerstone for national sustainability, with over 100 attendees including Nadya Fortuna Gunawan, a master’s student in anthropology at Universitas Sumatera Utara. The event, held at the university’s campus, emphasized integrating socio-cultural values into government programs targeting Indonesia Emas 2045, a vision for national development by 2045.
Nadya, part of the university’s newly launched Master’s Program in Anthropology (2026 cohort), argued that strengthening family institutions is critical for Indonesia’s long-term growth. She plans to conduct field research to explore how anthropological insights can inform public policy, aligning with the program’s goal of producing graduates capable of applying cultural analysis to global and national challenges.
Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, head of the Master’s Program in Anthropology, attended the conference, underscoring the institution’s focus on research-driven solutions. The event’s emphasis on family as a socio-cultural unit reflects broader discussions about balancing traditional values with modern policy frameworks.
The conference’s focus on Indonesia’s family-centric socio-cultural model could influence future academic and policy collaborations. Nadya’s planned field research may provide actionable data on how to operationalize cultural values within governmental frameworks, though its impact remains conditional on institutional support and policy alignment.
As the anthropology program matures, its graduates may play a pivotal role in shaping policies that reflect Indonesia’s unique social fabric. However, the extent to which their work affects national development hinges on sustained interdisciplinary engagement and measurable policy adoption.
What was the key focus of the ICoPoF 2026?
The conference centered on the role of family structures in sustaining national development, with a specific focus on Indonesia’s socio-cultural context.
Who attended the conference?
Over 100 participants, including academic and professional experts, attended. Notable attendees included Nadya Fortuna Gunawan, a master’s student in anthropology, and Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, head of the Master’s Program in Anthropology at Universitas Sumatera Utara.
What is the significance of the anthropology program mentioned?
The program, launched in 2026, aims to train graduates to apply anthropological research to public policy, with a focus on addressing national and global challenges through cultural insights.
How might the conference’s themes influence future policy in Indonesia?