ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Bill Gates, founder of the Gates Foundation and renowned global philanthropist, in an official meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, May 7, 2025. The discussion focused on enhancing global health cooperation, particularly in combating infectious diseases such as polio, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.
President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the Gates Foundation’s significant contributions to improving health and welfare in Indonesia. Since 2009, the foundation has provided grants exceeding US$300 million to support Indonesia’s healthcare sector.
“One of the most tangible examples of the Gates Foundation’s support is in the production of polio vaccines through Bio Farma. Today, Bio Farma is one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers, producing up to 2 billion doses annually. These vaccines are distributed across 42 countries and benefit over 902 million people,” President Prabowo stated.
Beyond polio, President Prabowo underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration in developing vaccines for TB and malaria—two diseases that remain major public health challenges in Indonesia.
“Indonesia is ready to host clinical trials for the development of a TB vaccine. We are aware that nearly 100,000 Indonesians lose their lives to TB every year. We are determined to reduce this number. Bill Gates has also shown his commitment to supporting the development of a malaria vaccine, which is greatly needed,” the President added.
In response, Bill Gates thanked President Prabowo for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his commitment to continue global philanthropic efforts in the health sector.
“I truly enjoy working in philanthropy and hope to do even more. Once again, thank you for the warm welcome extended by President Prabowo,” said Bill Gates.
This strategic partnership between Indonesia and the Gates Foundation is expected to accelerate efforts to eradicate polio, TB, and malaria, while strengthening Indonesia’s role in the global health arena. (AT Network)
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