The Indonesian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) was formed as the crystallization of ideas that had been initiated since 1969 to create a platform for communication and the development of gastroenterology in Indonesia. ISG was officially established on May 25, 1975, in Jakarta, as an autonomous body under the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), founded on the principles of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

The ISG aims to unite and strengthen relationships among members across Indonesia, foster unity, and raise awareness about the development of gastroenterology knowledge for the benefit of the nation’s welfare in particular and society in general. It also seeks to establish and maintain relationships with internal medicine specialists’ associations both domestically and internationally, provide input to the government or other formal institutions regarding professional practices in gastroenterology, hepatology, and digestive endoscopy to enhance and protect the public, and carry out educational and training functions linked to relevant specialist medical education programs.

Based on member data, the Central Executive Board of ISG currently has around 650 doctors, consisting of internal medicine specialists, gastroenterohepatology consultants, pediatricians, digestive surgeons, radiologists, and anatomical pathology specialists. ISG is consists of: 1) The Legislative, consisting of the National Congress and the National Work Conference; (2) The Executive Board, consisting of the Commission and Branch Commission; (3) The Joint Commission, is coordination between The Indonesian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG), The Indonesian Society for Digestive Endoscopy (ISDE), and Indonesian Society for the Study of the Liver (Ina-ASL); and (4) Particular Board, which consists of the Expertise Advisory Board, the Gastroentero-Hepatology Professor Forum and others.

With the existence of ISG, it is hoped that good coordination will be established among specialists in this field, health services to the public will be improved, and the field of gastroenterology in Indonesia will continue to develop.