In his inauguration speech as Professor this morning, Prof. Dr. Besral, SKM., M.Sc. explained that biostatistics is defined as the science and art of applying statistical principles in the fields of medicine, public health, or biology. The principles of statistics are based on applied mathematics which includes methods and techniques for collecting data, processing, analyzing, and presenting as well as interpreting or concluding the results into information. These principles, he said, include inference to a population and drawing conclusions that take uncertainty into account.
Prof. Dr. Besral, SKM., M.Sc. was inaugurated as a permanent professor in the field of Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health (FKM), at the Convention Hall, Universitas Indonesia (UI), UI Depok Campus, this morning (15/11). At the inauguration ceremony led by UI Rector Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., Prof. Besral delivered his inaugural speech entitled “The Role of Biostatistics in Improving the Health of Indonesian People”.
Biostatistics is a branch of statistical science that focuses on the application of statistical methods and principles to biological and health phenomena. These statistical principles and methods include collection, processing, analysis, interpretation and conclusions, as well as presentation of data or information in various fields such as medicine, pharmacy, biology, and public health. Biostatistics can help understand biological processes, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or treatments, predict health outcomes, and make decisions based on data analysis.
The history of the development of biostatistics in public health is marked by the continuous evolution of statistical methods, their application in epidemiology, and their adaptation to address contemporary health challenges. Biostatistics has become an integral part of public health research, playing an important role in shaping evidence-based policies and interventions to improve public health.
“In general, the contribution of biostatistics (either directly or indirectly) in improving the health status of Indonesian society is significant. Biostatistics is the foundation of evidence-based public health practice in Indonesia. This empowers policy makers, health professionals, and researchers with data-based insights, which are very necessary to address public health challenges more effectively and more efficiently,” said Prof. Besral.
Apart from that, biostatistics also has an important role in overcoming Covid-19 which occurred from 2020 to 2022. Various programs and activities were carried out using biostatistics, including behavioral surveys and data analysis. One of the government’s policies in controlling the Covid-19 pandemic was the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM). The success of implementing this policy can only be measured through behavioral surveys that can be carried out by biostatisticians.
In handling the Covid-19 pandemic, biostatistics also played a role in using big data, such as Google Trend, Google Mobility, and Facebook data. This was to help simplify and speed up the collection and analysis of data related to population mobility behavior, PPKM compliance, compliance with self-isolation, and compliance with health protocols. The results of this analysis were used as material for planning, monitoring, and evaluation for more effective treatment.
“Biostatistics serves as the backbone of public health by providing tools and methodologies to understand, analyze, and address public health challenges. Its role in collecting, interpreting, and disseminating data is very important in developing effective public health strategies and policies to maintain and improve public health,” said Prof. Besral in his inauguration which was also attended by the Dean of FKM Andalas University Defriman Djafri, S.KM., M.KM., Ph.D.
Prof. Besral completed his undergraduate education at FKM UI in 1994, then completed his master’s education at the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila in 2000, and completed his doctoral education at FKM UI in 2011. Currently, he serves as Quality Assurance Manager of FKM UI and Chair Public Health Division at the Indonesian Accreditation Agency for Higher Education in Health (LAM-PTKes). Apart from that, he is also active as the Central Executive of the Indonesian Public Health Association (IAKMI) and the Central Executive of the Association of Indonesian Public Health Higher Education Institutions (AIPTKMI).
Several scientific article publications in recent years include the titles MIESRA mHealth: Marital satisfaction during pregnancy (2023); When does the substantial loss of child linear growth occur? (2023); Service availability and readiness of malaria surveillance information systems implementation at primary health centers in Indonesia (2023); Effects of Wearing A Brain Booster Smart Belt During Pregnancy On The Development Of Babies Aged 1–12 Months (2022); and Antenatal Care Services and Incidence of Low Birth Weight: Comparison of Demographic and Health Surveys in Four ASEAN Countries (2022).
