By Assoc. Prof. Kornkit Chaijenkij, MD – Thailand
The ASSA Traveling Fellowship 2025 offered a truly transformative journey, blending surgical excellence, academic exchange, and warm cultural hospitality across Indonesia. From August 24–31, 2025, I joined colleagues on an inspiring week that spanned from the heart of Jakarta to the vibrant culture of Bali.
Warm Welcome in Jakarta
Our fellowship began on August 24th, with a gracious welcome led by Prof. Andri. After arriving in Jakarta, fellows were treated to a city tour and dinner, where friendships quickly formed and the tone was set for a week of collaboration and shared learning.
Live Surgeries & Clinical Immersion
The following days immersed us in the operating theaters of Indonesia’s leading hospitals:
• Military Hospital (RSPAD Gatot Subroto) – On August 25th, we observed advanced arthroscopic techniques in ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair under the guidance of Dr. Bobby, followed by a convivial dinner hosted by our colleagues.
• Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (RSCM Hospital) – On August 26th, cases included all-inside ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair using quadriceps tendon grafts, as well as complex patellofemoral procedures including MPFL reconstruction and tibial tubercle osteotomy.
• Fatmawati Hospital – On August 27th, we witnessed cutting-edge procedures such as ACL reconstruction using anterior half peroneus longus autograft and patellar tendon reconstruction with peroneus longus allograft, coordinated by Dr. Andre Pontoh. Later that day, fellows departed for Bali.
Academic Exchange
Knowledge-sharing was a cornerstone of the fellowship. I had the privilege to present and discuss research at multiple forums:
• Military Hospital (Aug 26): “Comparative Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Strategies for Reducing Neuromuscular Deficits Following ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs.”
• ASSA–IOSSMA Meeting, Bali (Aug 28): “Toward an Olympic Future for Muaythai: Identifying Strategic Insights to Advance Athlete Health, Wellbeing, and Performance.”
• Ngoerah General Hospital, Bali (Aug 30): “Bridge the Gap from Injury to Performance.”
Bali – Science Meets Culture
In Bali, our fellowship continued with the ASSA meeting at The Meru Sanur Hotel (Aug 28–29), a platform for regional collaboration in sports medicine. The setting combined rigorous academic exchange with the island’s unique cultural charm.
Our visit culminated on August 30th with an academic program and hospital tour at Prof. dr I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital, further strengthening professional ties with Indonesian colleagues.
A Journey of Gratitude
Throughout the fellowship, the hospitality from our hosts was remarkable. The blend of world-class surgical exposure, academic dialogue, and cultural immersion made the ASSA Traveling Fellowship 2025 an unforgettable experience. I return to Thailand inspired, grateful to our hosts and sponsors, and motivated to continue building bridges across Southeast Asian sports medicine.
