Jakarta, 19 June 2025 – Centre for Strategic and International Strategic (CSIS) Indonesia, along with the JLI Centre for Global Health Diplomacy, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Indonesia Office, the British Embassy Jakarta (BEJ), and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia have successfully hosted the roundtable discussion “Charting a New Path: Indonesia’s Vision for Global Health and Development Leadership” at CSIS Auditorium, Jakarta, on 19 June 2025. This event brought high-level and international government officials, scholars, and experts based in Jakarta, as a conjunction event of the Asia Pacific Leaders on Malaria Alliance (APLMA) Summit in Bali, highlighting Indonesia’s emerging leadership in the global development arena.
Session I—Positioning with Purpose: Navigating Global Shifts, Upholding Public Goods
This session focused on reflecting the global health situation and discussing what each country could contribute in the emergence of global health development. In opening remarks, Dr. Yose Rizal Damuri, Executive Director CSIS Indonesia, emphasized the global health condition in ongoing critical geopolitic time, highlighting the needs of access in medical supplies, research and technology, and health financing, and what to expect from Indonesia in the future. Matthew Dawning, Deputy Head of Mission British Embassy Jakarta, explained the United Kingdom’s commitment to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. He also mentioned that there is a significant transformation when the recipient countries are now being key voices in the global health landscape. Christoph Benn, Director of JLI Center for Global Health Diplomacy, showed appreciation and highlighted the importance of global financing and cooperation in critical times. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Vice Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, discussing the need to cultivate a resilient and independent healthcare in times of crisis.
Key highlights:
Rina Setyawati, Director of International Development Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, started the session by presenting Indonesia’s development on the domestic health care system and the expansion of its regional and global contribution. She also reflected Indonesia’s commitment to “Positioning with Purpose”—navigating global shifts while upholding public goods for the benefit of all.
Phillip J. Vermonte, Spokesperson of Presidential Communication Office Indonesia, discussed the situation of global health problems, including the financial gap, how big powers see global health corporations and health issues, and underscoring the importance of strengthening regional health initiatives.
Christoph Benn, Director of JLI Center for Global Health Diplomacy, addressed huge changes in global architecture and fragile times after the US financing withdrawal, also highlighting Indonesia’s success in contributing in regional and international cooperation, which leads to discussion on how other countries would follow this success.
Mari Elka Pangestu, National Economic Council and President’s Special Envoy on International Trade and Multilateral Affairs, underscored Indonesia’s role as a regional anchor in global health, acknowledged health as a strategic domain where nations demonstrate global solidarity, resilience, and leadership.
Session II—From Momentum to Leadership: Enablers for a Sustained Global Role
The second session discussed the needs to put in place to make Indonesia’s role more strategic and successful. The discussants further highlighted what Indonesia has done so far and what is to be done next in global health development.
Vidijongtius, Former President Commissioner of Kalbe Farma, discussed the strategies that could be done to enhance Indonesia’s role in global healthcare, as in raising private sector participation, collaborating with countries and corporations, and investing in human resources, raw materials, new technology, and research.
Samuel Hayes, Head of Economics and Social Affairs of British Embassy Jakarta, gave the UK perspective of Indonesia’s leadership, also emphasized their commitment and partnership in global health development, and suggested focus on financing, policy coherence, strong institutions, and strategic partnership.
Tikki Pangestu, Visiting Professor from Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, underscored the capability of Bio Farma as a state-owned enterprise to support the country's mission in global health. He also emphasized the need to strengthen Indonesia’s leadership, governance system reform, and the nation’s role to tackle global health issues in the region.
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