Indonesia is moving to formalize a “One Health” framework to achieve national health sovereignty, aiming to reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical devices. Deputy Health Minister dr. Benjamin P. Octavianus, Sp.P(K) announced the initiative on July 16, 2026, at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Medicine, emphasizing that the country must transition from a consumer of science to a global innovation hub by integrating human, animal, and environmental health data.
National Health Independence Strategy
The government’s push for self-sufficiency relies on a collaborative ecosystem involving the Health Ministry, universities, research institutions, and industry players. According to dr. Benjamin, the country’s existing biodiversity, demographic bonus, and digital advancements provide the foundation for this shift. A primary focus of this collaboration is the development of a national tuberculosis vaccine, a project currently involving the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bio Farma, and the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar noted that domestic production of medicines and vaccines is a fundamental component of national resilience. By aligning research with global standards, regulators and industry partners aim to ensure that homegrown health products can compete internationally while meeting domestic needs.
Did You Know?
According to Pungkas Bahjuri Ali of the National Development Planning Ministry, approximately 60 percent of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, with about 75 percent of all emerging infectious diseases classified as zoonotic.
Integration of One Health Regulations
To support this ecosystem, the government is drafting a national One Health regulation. Pungkas Bahjuri Ali stated that this framework is designed to harmonize coordination across ministries, specifically to manage zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and neglected tropical diseases. Because these threats cross biological and environmental boundaries, officials maintain that a siloed sectoral approach is no longer effective.
The University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Medicine (FKUI) is positioning itself as a central hub for this effort. Dean Professor Anna Rozaliyani emphasized that the faculty’s role is shifting toward “research downstreaming,” where academic findings are expected to translate directly into public health policy and tangible national solutions.
Future Outlook for Health Resilience
The Indonesia One Health Ecosystem is intended to bolster the country’s infrastructure in preparation for the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045. As the government finalizes its regulatory framework, the focus will likely remain on strengthening coordination between professional organizations and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the One Health initiative in Indonesia?
The initiative aims to achieve health sovereignty by fostering self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices, and healthcare services through cross-sector collaboration.
Why is the One Health approach considered necessary?
According to Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, the approach is required because the majority of current health threats, including 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases, are zoonotic and cannot be resolved by a single sector in isolation.
Which institutions are involved in the development of the national tuberculosis vaccine?
The project involves the Health Ministry, the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Medicine, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bio Farma, and the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).
How do you believe the integration of academic research into national policy will change the way medical faculties operate in your local community?