Indonesia partners with The Lancet to shape long-term medical strategy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Health Ministry has partnered with The Lancet, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals, to develop an evidence-based strategy to overhaul the country's healthcare system by 2045.

The collaboration launched on Tuesday with the establishment of The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific Commission on Reimagining Healthcare in Indonesia for 2045.

The initiative brings together domestic and international experts to draft policy recommendations as Southeast Asia's largest economy approaches its independence centennial.

"We should be proud that Indonesia is now launching its first Lancet commission led by Indonesians," Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said, noting that the move reflects the maturity of the country's research ecosystem.

The initiative aims to safeguard human capital ahead of Indonesia's projected demographic dividend between 2030 and 2035—a critical window to boost productivity and avoid the middle-income trap.

"It is impossible to create a productive, high-income society if people are not educated and healthy," Sadikin added.

Under its 2025–2029 development plan, Indonesia aims to lift life expectancy to 76 years by strengthening six pillars of health transformation, including digital and primary care integration.

The commission will place a heavy focus on closing stark regional healthcare gaps across the massive archipelago.

"This commission is ultimately about one thing: ensuring that the poorest, most remote, and most marginalized people in this country can access quality and dignified healthcare by 2045," said Sandersan Onie, the commission's founding co-chair.

Jie Cai, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, praised Jakarta's research-driven approach, calling the locally led commission a recognition of "Indonesia's leadership in determining its own health future."

Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie, Martha Herlinawati Simanj

Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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