On 6th June 2026, healthcare professionals, community organizations, educators, and palliative care advocates gathered in Jakarta for the 1st HOPE (Hospice, Outreach and Palliative Ecosystem) International Symposium, hosted by Husada Hospital.
With the theme “Building a Palliative Ecosystem: Connecting Community, Hospice and Hospital,” the symposium was created in response to a common challenge in Indonesia: while many individuals and organizations are working to improve palliative care, services often remain fragmented and opportunities for collaboration are limited.
Supported by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) and the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (EKR) Foundation, the symposium brought together speakers and participants from across the Asia-Pacific region. The event opened with remarks from APHN, EKR leader, and the Indonesian Ministry of Health, highlighting a shared commitment to strengthening palliative care services throughout Indonesia.
The programme explored a wide range of topics, including hospital-based palliative care, community engagement, pediatric palliative care, nursing leadership, caregiver resilience, and bereavement support. Participants learned not only from experts but also from one another, sharing experiences, challenges, and practical solutions from their respective settings.
One of the highlights of the symposium was the panel discussion on strengthening palliative care ecosystems across Southeast Asia. Speakers from Vietnam, Philippines, Timor Leste, and Indonesia shared their journeys as leaders in developing services within resource-limited environments. Their stories demonstrated that meaningful progress is possible through persistence, innovation, and collaboration.
The symposium also featured a mini-exhibition showcasing community organizations, foundations, and healthcare initiatives from different parts of Indonesia. These exhibits reflected the growing diversity of palliative care efforts across the country and created valuable opportunities for networking and future partnerships.
More than a scientific meeting, HOPE became a space where people discovered others who shared the same vision. Physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, volunteers, educators, and community leaders came together to explore how stronger connections can improve care for patients and families living with serious illness.
The message that emerged throughout the day was simple: building palliative care is not the responsibility of a single profession or institution. It requires an ecosystem built on learning, partnership, and shared purpose.
As Indonesia continues to expand access to palliative care, we hope that HOPE will serve as a platform for ongoing collaboration, helping to connect people, strengthen services, and inspire future leaders. Together, we can build a future where compassionate, holistic palliative care is available to all who need it.
Lianda Tamara, MD
Chairperson, 1st HOPE International Symposium 2026
Husada Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
