JAKARTA, April 24, 2025 – As part of its commitment to employee health and safety, Waruna Group, one of Indonesia’s largest shipbuilding and shipping companies, collaborated with Bosowa Insurance to organize a health seminar entitled “Managing GERD Naturally: Diet, Stress, and Lifestyle Choices.”
The seminar was conducted as part of Waruna Group’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Department program to provide health education and awareness for employees. The event was held in both online and offline formats, allowing participation from all employees, including shore-based personnel and onboard crew members serving across the Waruna fleet.
Based on data collected by Waruna Group’s HSE Department over the past three years, the number of employees diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) has shown a consistent increase. GERD is a digestive condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, and digestive disturbances.
Brian Bermana, HSE Manager of Waruna Group, emphasized the Company’s ongoing efforts to raise employee awareness regarding health issues, particularly GERD.
"We aim to provide comprehensive knowledge about GERD, including its definition, causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and potential impact on daily life and work performance," he stated.
During the seminar, dr. Akbarbudhi Antono, Sp.PD, an Internal Medicine Specialist from Jakarta Heart Center, explained that workplace conditions can contribute to the development of GERD. Several contributing factors highlighted during the session included:
Meal Timing and Portion Size
Employees who frequently consume large meals and go to sleep shortly after eating may face a higher risk of developing GERD. Ideally, individuals should wait at least two to three hours after eating before going to bed.
Unhealthy Dietary Habits
Frequent consumption of foods and beverages known to trigger GERD, such as fast food, coffee, tea, alcohol, energy drinks, and high-fat snacks.
Stress and Fatigue
High work-related stress combined with poor stress management can negatively affect digestive health and worsen GERD symptoms.
In addition to discussing the causes of GERD, the seminar also provided practical guidance on prevention and natural management strategies, including:
- Adopting a healthy diet by avoiding trigger foods, increasing fiber intake, and maintaining regular meal schedules.
- Managing stress through positive activities and personal hobbies.
- Making lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding meals within two to three hours before bedtime and exercising regularly.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day.
The collaboration between Waruna Group and Bosowa Insurance in organizing this seminar reflects their shared commitment to employee health and well-being. As the Company’s insurance partner, Bosowa Insurance continues to support preventive health initiatives aimed at improving employee productivity and quality of life.
"We hope this seminar provides meaningful benefits for all employees, both ashore and onboard, by helping them manage their health more effectively, particularly in preventing GERD," Brian concluded.
