Bill Gates Commends Indonesia's Leadership in Health and Agriculture During Meeting with Prabowo

 

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – President Prabowo Subianto has welcomed philanthropist and Gates Foundation founder Bill Gates at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and strengthening its agricultural sector as part of the country's sustainable development agenda.

 

During the meeting, Gates expressed his admiration for Indonesia’s concrete progress in introducing life-saving vaccines, including those against rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, and human papillomavirus (HPV). He also highlighted the country’s central role in the global tuberculosis vaccine trial—an initiative with the potential to benefit millions worldwide.

 

“Indonesia is a great example in adopting new vaccines like rotavirus for diarrhea, pneumococcus for pneumonia, and now HPV,” said Gates.

 

Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a global advocate for public health through the Gates Foundation, also praised Indonesia’s collaboration with international health organizations, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. He specifically acknowledged the leadership of Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who serves on Gavi’s board, for fostering strong partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“He knows Gavi very well from the pandemic, during which the relationship between Gavi and Indonesia was very positive, and we will continue that,” Gates added.

 

 

Gates went on to commend Indonesia’s pioneering role in combating maternal malnutrition through the distribution of proven micronutrient supplements for pregnant women. The country, he noted, was among the first to implement such a program nationwide, with the aim of ensuring quick and equitable access.

 

“Indonesia is one of the first to launch this with the goal of providing it to all pregnant women rapidly, and it’s really making a big difference,” he said.

 

Beyond health, Gates also acknowledged the strides made by Indonesia in agricultural development, particularly in improving the genetic quality and productivity of staple crops like bananas. He emphasized that empowering smallholder farmers would not only enhance food security but also improve the economic well-being of rural communities.

 

“We’ve had a good relationship in Indonesia, working on things like bananas, where the country has incredible genetic diversity. We can improve banana quality here while also helping prevent diseases,” Gates explained.

 

Gates’ visit signals the potential for deeper collaboration in philanthropy, healthcare innovation, and sustainable agriculture—areas aligned with the Indonesian government’s vision for improving national welfare and advancing development goals.