Indonesia Cooperates with Sweden in the Health Sector

By studying with Sweden, it is hoped that the health system in Indonesia will continue to develop.

KOMPAS/STEPHANUS ARANDITIO

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin (wearing batik) took a photo with Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia, Daniel Blockert, and several representatives of health companies from Sweden at the Swedish Ambassador's residence in South Jakarta on Friday (April 26, 2024). The Indonesian Ministry of Health is exploring cooperation with the Swedish government in the healthcare sector.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Ministry of Health Indonesia exploring cooperation with the Government of Sweden in health. A number of potential investments were offered to Sweden to improve the quality of health services in the country.

Minister Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the government chose to collaborate with the Swedish Government because Sweden has a very capable health system. By studying with Sweden, it is hoped that the health system in Indonesia will further develop.

In this collaboration, Indonesia and Sweden are working together to develop the Sweden-Indonesia Sustainability Partnership (SISP) Healthcare Platform. It includes three levels of cooperation: intergovernmental, academia through a doctoral degree scholarship program (PhD), and the private sector through a health development program.

"If we want to learn, we should do it with those who are vastly different from us, not those at the same level as us, and Sweden has that. Through the SISP Healthcare Platform, the governments, academics, and private sectors of both countries are working together towards a healthy life and well-being for all," said Budi Gunadi during the launch of the SIPS Healthcare Platform at the Swedish Ambassador's residence in South Jakarta, on Friday (April 26, 2024).

KOMPAS/AYU SULISTYOWATI

A medical officer from the Badung District Health Department in Bali is examining a mother using breast cancer detection equipment aboard a free health service bus in the courtyard of the Pura Desa and Puseh Desa Kapal last April. This is part of the Badung District Government's commitment to providing maximum services for the Badung Women's Health Program.

Budi also invites the government and private companies from Sweden to invest in Indonesia in the field of health. Because the population in Indonesia is very large and poses a unique challenge in addressing various health issues.

Through collaborative efforts by Swedish companies including AstraZeneca, Elekta, Essity, Getinge, and Hemocue, the SISP Healthcare Platform will bring Swedish expertise and innovation to achieve sustainable healthcare services in Indonesia. The main focuses include digitalization, cancer care, critical and emergency care, diabetes care, as well as maternal and child health.

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Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia, Daniel Blockert, regards SISP Healthcare Platform as a significant moment in the long-term partnership between Sweden and Indonesia. Programs, such as capacity-building, healthcare symposiums, and joint initiatives, will merge expertise from both countries to fulfill Indonesia's government vision in healthcare services.

"This initiative is also in line with the shared commitment of both countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals, particularly in advancing sustainable healthcare practices for present and future generations," said Daniel.

KOMPAS/STEPHANUS ARANDITIO

Swedish Trade Commissioner for Indonesia, Erik Odar, explained the opportunities for collaboration between Swedish healthcare companies and Indonesia at the Swedish Ambassador's Residence in South Jakarta on Friday (26/4/2024). The Indonesian Ministry of Health is exploring collaboration with the Swedish Government in the healthcare sector.

Swedish Trade Commissioner for Indonesia, Erik Odar, added that the opportunity for cooperation in the field of health between the two countries is very open, including the possibility of bringing Swedish health companies to Indonesia, as offered by Minister Budi.

"The first thing we did was a series of training and workshops, where Swedish companies such as Electa, Chematur, AstraZeneca, and Essity are now involved in bringing their knowledge from global operations to Indonesia regarding these topics and helping hospitals," said Erik.

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In the academic field, Indonesia and Sweden can exchange doctoral students to gain knowledge in leading medical universities in Sweden, such as the Karolinska Institute. Similarly, Swedish students can also gain knowledge in Indonesia as a tropical country with various endemic diseases.

"So, this is a reciprocal exchange. And, this is something that we pride ourselves on, that both the minister and Sweden, working together and funding together," he said.