The governments of Indonesia and Australia officially launched the Indonesia-Australia Partnership for Health Transformation (KITA SEHAT) in Jakarta. This step marks a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries in the health sector, which have been closely established for more than three decades. The launch was carried out directly by Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin alongside Vice Minister of National Development Planning Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard and Australian Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Gita Kamath.
This collaboration also involves various key stakeholders, including local government representatives from West Java, East Nusa Tenggara, and Southwest Papua provinces, which have been designated as program implementation areas. A number of international organizations under the UN umbrella, such as WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA, were also present to support the success of this strategic partnership.
The KITA SEHAT program is designed to run over the next eight years, with a main focus on supporting the national health reform agenda. These efforts are implemented through strengthening regulations, institutional governance, and optimizing primary health services. Additionally, the program emphasizes the resilience of the national health system by enhancing the capacity of medical personnel, early surveillance of disease spread, and cross-sectoral synergy.
Australian Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Gita Kamath, emphasized that this partnership is a tangible commitment by both countries to expand access to quality medical services for the general public. She added that the program also aims to improve community nutrition and build a resilient primary health foundation. This long-term agreement follows up on a bilateral agreement signed in August 2025.
Through integration among the central government, local governments, and international agencies, the KITA SEHAT project is expected to accelerate the achievement of sustainable national health development targets. This long-term investment aims not only to improve the quality of basic services, but also to strengthen Indonesia's preparedness in anticipating future pandemic threats or disease outbreaks.
