This year marks a historic milestone as Indonesia, through the Indonesian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG), proudly hosted the 8th Biennial Congress of the Asian Neurogastroenterology & Motility Association (ANMA) in conjunction with the Indonesian Digestive Disease Week (IDDW) 2025. The congress took place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, on September 4–6, 2025.
Originally planned as a fully onsite meeting, the congress adopted a hybrid format due to certain circumstances in Jakarta during the event period. Despite the unexpected adjustment, enthusiasm from participants both onsite and online remained high.
The event opened with a landmark achievement Indonesia’s first Esophageal Motility Workshop, attended by 30 participants from across the nation. World-renowned faculty including Dr. Tanisa Patcharatrakul (Thailand), Prof. Yeong Yeh Lee (Malaysia), Dr. Reuben Kong Min Wong (Singapore), and Prof. Justin Che Yuen Wu (Hong Kong) guided live demonstration sessions on high-resolution manometry and impedance-pH monitoring. For many attendees, this was their first direct training in motility diagnostics.
The following two days featured the scientific symposium, welcoming more than 400 delegates from Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Portugal, Myanmar, Thailand, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries. The Opening Ceremony began with a vibrant Nusantara dance performed by internal medicine residents of Universitas Indonesia, followed by the ceremonial gong striking by Prof. Ari Fahrial Syam (Chairman ANMA & IDDW 2025 / President of Indonesian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG)), accompanied by Prof. Justin Che Yuen Wu (ANMA Committee Member), Dr. Amanda Pitarini Utari (Secretary General of ANMA & IDDW 2025) & Dr. Hasan Maulahela (Secretary General of Indonesian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG)).
In his remarks, Prof. Ari Fahrial Syam emphasized that hosting ANMA in Indonesia is both an honor and a responsibility reflecting Indonesia’s commitment to advancing gastroenterology and motility expertise regionally and globally.
The scientific program was rich and diverse, featuring 2 plenary lectures, 18 symposia, and 4 special sessions, covering the latest updates in neurogastroenterology, motility, functional GI disorders, digestive endoscopy, and nutrition. A highlight was the Asian Consensus update on gastrointestinal. All sessions were delivered by distinguished international and Indonesian experts.
The congress also provided a platform for young doctors and researchers through poster and oral presentation sessions, featuring 49 posters (18 research studies and 31 case reports) and 12 oral presentations. Additionally, the ANMA Committee Meeting was successfully conducted in hybrid format.
The faculty dinners, held at Lobo Restaurant, Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan, and Antarasa, One Satrio, served not only as opportunities to enjoy traditional performances and authentic Indonesian cuisine, but also as a warm gathering for ANMA faculty members from across Asia. These occasions became a valuable moment of reunion, strengthening friendships and fostering camaraderie.
Despite challenges, the congress concluded on a high note. The organizing committee extended deep appreciation to Prof. Xiaohua Hou, President of ANMA, and the entire ANMA Committee for their invaluable support and guidance. Sincere apologies were also expressed to participants and speakers affected by the hybrid transition, while gratitude was conveyed for their flexibility and dedication. Special thanks were also given to the sponsors and the organizing team, whose support and dedication ensured the success of ANMA & IDDW 2025.
The 8th Biennial Congress of the ANMA in conjunction with IDDW 2025 will be remembered not only as a historic milestone for Indonesia, but also as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Asian motility community. As the congress closed, one message resonated strongly: the future of motility in Indonesia is bright, and together with ANMA, we remain committed to advancing digestive health for the benefit of patients in Asia and beyond.
Looking ahead, the Indonesian Society of Gastroenterology will once again host the “Indonesian Digestive Disease Week (IDDW) 2026” on September 30 – October 4, 2026, featuring another exciting program. The committee looks forward to welcoming participants from across Asia Pacific and around the world to another successful meeting.
