Cover Story
MOH Initiative
Technology as a Game Changer Digital transformation has accelerated in recent years, with the Ministry actively regulating and promoting telemedicine to make healthcare accessible even in the most remote areas of the country. The digital leap is evident through several emerging telemedicine platforms, including SatuSehat, a national data system for health information integration.
“ SatuSehat is Indonesia’ s biggest health IT revolution. It’ s efficient, secure, and made by Indonesians for Indonesians,” says dr. Sunarto proudly.
The telemedicine applications facilitate online consultations, while SatuSehat ensures data-driven decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and enhanced patient safety.
Cybersecurity and big data management are ongoing priorities, with stringent regulations ensuring public trust in digital health systems.
Toward Medical Tourism While infrastructure remains a barrier, Indonesia’ s cultural richness, natural beauty, and affordability position it as a potential medical tourism hub in Asia.
MOH has been actively implementing initiatives to position Indonesia as a competitive destination for medical tourism. In October 2024, the MOH, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, hosted the inaugural Indonesia Medical Wellness Tourism Promotion( IMWTP) in Amsterdam. This event highlighted Indonesia’ s strengths in wellness tourism, emphasizing its rich biodiversity, advanced healthcare facilities, and traditional healing practices.
“ We need more collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to build a robust ecosystem that attracts foreign patients,” stressed dr. Sunarto.“ We have the potential; we
just need to scale up.” Additionally, the MOH has identified several challenges hindering the growth of medical tourism, including regulatory issues, infrastructure disparities, and public trust. To address these, strategies such as enhancing marketing efforts, improving healthcare human resources, and developing specialized health economic zones have been proposed. These initiatives aim to attract international patients and encourage Indonesians to utilize domestic healthcare services.
Quality care, world-class doctors, and supportive policies are already in place. What’ s needed now is a strategic push to enhance infrastructure, streamline visa processes, and market Indonesia as a trusted medical destination.
The Road Ahead- A Healthier, Stronger Indonesia Indonesia’ s healthcare transformation is a marathon, not a sprint. The roadmap stretches through 2029, with each phase building on the last. Phase one of the 6 Pillar of Transformation runs from 2022- 2024, focusing on primary care and foundational reforms. Phase two, launching in 2025, will tackle governance and institutional restructuring. dr. Sunarto is confident:“ We may face challenges, but our commitment is unwavering. We are building a system that future generations will benefit from.”
Indonesia’ s journey toward health equity and excellence is far from over, but it is well underway. Backed by robust policy frameworks, strategic partnerships, and the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals, the nation is setting an example for other emerging economies.
As dr. Sunarto reminds us,“ Health is not just a goal; it’ s a foundation for national prosperity. And we are laying that foundation, one reform at a time.” n
38 GLOBALHEALTH INDONESIA SPECIAL AWARDS 2025 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific. com