Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto yesterday welcomed Bill Gates, expressing his country’s gratitude for the US philanthropist’s commitment and investments through the Gates Foundation[*] in over 15 years and the promise of new joint initiatives and campaigns in the health field for disease prevention.
The Indonesian leader was especially grateful for almost US$ 160 million invested in the Southeast Asian country since 2009, especially in prevention campaigns and vaccines.
Most of the funds have been allocated to the health sector, including the development and distribution of vaccines against polio, tuberculosis, and malaria.
In yesterday's meeting with Bill Gates at Merdeka (Independence) Palace in Jakarta, President Prabowo expressed his appreciation for the foundation's substantial contributions to the development of Indonesia’s public health sector.
“Most of the funding has gone to health initiatives, particularly vaccines such as the polio vaccine. One such contribution – worth IDR 1.3 trillion (US$ 79 million) – has helped Bio Farma become one of the world’s leading vaccine producers,” the president said.
The state-owned pharmaceutical plant PT Bio Farma produces up to two billion doses of vaccine each year, distributed to over 40 countries to the benefit of some 902 million people worldwide.
Prabowo also noted that Indonesia will become one of the testing sites for the new TB vaccine currently being developed by the Gates Foundation.
“TB remains a deadly disease in Indonesia, with nearly 100,000 fatalities each year. We are committed to reducing that number, and Bill Gates has shown strong commitment to supporting us in this area,” he said, speaking to the media.
In addition to the health sector, the Gates Foundation has also provided funding for agriculture and technology, specifically US$ 5 million for each, as well as more than US$ 28 million in cross-sectoral social assistance.
In appreciation for Bill Gates’s extraordinary commitment and contribution, President Prabowo announced his intention to award the world-renowned philanthropist Indonesia's highest national honour.
The plan will be discussed at a meeting of the National Honours Council and the award ceremony is expected to take place during the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2025.
“I would like, on behalf of the Indonesian people, to grant our highest award to a foreign national, in recognition of his services in helping the people of Indonesia and the world,” Prabowo stated during a meeting with business leaders.
The Gates Foundation, also known as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is one of the world's largest philanthropic organisations committed to global health, sustainable development, and poverty reduction.
Through innovative partnerships and funding, the foundation has had a significant impact on improving lives in various countries, including Indonesia.
[*] The IT tycoon set up the foundation with his ex-wife Melinda.
