Indonesia and Australia Enhance Collaboration in Healthcare and Medical Innovation

In early February 2025, Indonesia's Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, embarked on a working visit to Canberra, Australia, to bolster health cooperation between the two nations. This strategic move aims to accelerate Indonesia's health transformation, focusing on the development of medical personnel, innovative research, and the standardization of healthcare services.

Strengthening Medical Education and Training

A primary focus of the discussions was the enhancement of medical education and training for Indonesian healthcare professionals in Australia. This includes opportunities for fellowships for specialist doctors and knowledge transfer programs for nurses. The standardization of nursing practices between Indonesia and Australia was also deliberated to elevate the quality of Indonesian medical personnel to meet global standards. Minister Sadikin highlighted the potential to explore models of cooperation similar to the Indonesia-Germany Nursing Education program, addressing Australia's interest in employing Indonesian nurses.

Advancing Medical Research and Technology

Minister Sadikin visited Calvary Bruce Private Hospital to observe health technology innovations, including the use of robotic surgery and advanced orthopedic services. Additionally, discussions at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University centered on collaboration in genomics, immunology, and vaccine development. He emphasized the importance of building a resilient health system grounded in research and supported by cutting-edge technology, aiming to directly benefit the Indonesian populace.

Finalizing the Indonesia-Australia Health Cooperation Strategy 2025-2033

In meetings with Australia's Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, Minister Sadikin discussed finalizing the Indonesia-Australia Health Cooperation Strategy for 2025-2033. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional health resilience, including support for the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) and Indonesia's transition to the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Region. The ministers underscored the importance of implementing the existing Memorandum of Understanding in the health sector through a Joint Action Plan, incorporating initiatives discussed during this visit.

This visit is anticipated to expedite the realization of various strategic initiatives in Indonesia's health system reform while deepening bilateral relations with Australia in the health sector.