For the first time, Indonesia was involved in the celebration of World Veterinary Day (WVD). The celebration was conducted for three hours (09.00 – 12.00 am) on Saturday 28th of April 2007 at Horse Statue Square of Monas National Monument in Jakarta. The celebration was organized by Center for Indonesian Veterinary Analytical Studies (CIVAS) in partnership with Association of Veterinary University Student of Indonesia (IMAKAHI).

The number of participant was approximately 50 people & consists of 4 Veterinarian from CIVAS, 40 university students from Veterinary Major of Bogor Agricultural University (FKH – IPB), 9 university students from Veterinary Major of Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta (FKH – UGM) & 2 university students from Veterinary Major of Airlangga University (FKH – Unair). The celebration was performed with sympathy action by setting a banner with the distribution of rose flower & leaflet to any pedestrian passing the Monas National Monument.

The theme of WVD 2007 is “celebrate our diversity” whereas the theme was announced by the President of World Veterinary Association (WVA), Dr. Leon Russell. Dr Russell urged the world in his speech during the moment of WVD 2007 that the veterinarians in Asia still have to work hard to prevent the possible break out of Avian Influenza Pandemic.

Inspired by the speech, CIVAS announced another theme in Indonesian version & that is “strengthen the global partnership to prevent Avian Influenza Pandemic”. In his conclusion, Dr Russell sent his message that “through World Veterinary Day, let us work towards one emotion, that of joy, for the veterinary profession”.

The celebration with sympathy action was ended successfully with save & peace as expected. National TV media such as Indosiar & TPI & other national newspaper media had come to cover the celebration. The celebration was not only conducted in Jakarta but was also run in Surabaya & Yogyakarta. The celebration of WVD in Surabaya had been attended by approximately 100 people from the member of Association of Veterinary University Student of Indonesia (IMAKAHI) in Airlangga University, the active member of Veterinary Major students of Airlangga University & the Dean of Veterinary Major of Airlangga University. There were 50 university students from various student activity unit of Veterinary Major of Gajah Mada University involved in celebrating of WVD on Sunday 29th of April 2007.

The Plan of WVD 2008

Based on evaluation during the activity of WVD 2007 celebration, CIVAS is planning to generate another sympathy action for WVD 2008. The celebration will be followed by national seminar, weekly science conference for veterinarian & veterinary next level education.

CIVAS has put WVD on top important moment whereas WVD has important internal & external purpose in CIVAS’s point of view. The internal purpose is to give a proud the profession of veterinarian followed by the spirit of partnership between veterinarians on national & international level in order to form the obligate to human prosperity.

Meanwhile, the external purpose of WVD is to inform the people to know more the important of veterinarian profession. This will educate people the important of healthy of animal protein consumption in daily life. The celebration of WVD will also educate people the appreciation of animal as living companion, one of main natural resources & the rich of genetic pole to develop the technology in veterinary.

Based on our explanation & consideration above, CIVAS with Association of Veterinary University Student of Indonesia (IMAKAHI) urge the big family of United Indonesian Veterinarian (PDHI) to celebrate WVD in year 2008 & onwards with bigger event, more consolidated & resulting good benefits to the world.

CIVAS – IMAKAHI