The Indonesian Ministry of Health (MoH) has formally reiterated its strong commitment to prioritizing the research, development, and utilization of mRNA technology. This strategic focus is a critical component of the nation's health transformation initiative, specifically aimed at achieving independence in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized the need to strengthen the entire domestic research ecosystem—from laboratory work to robust regulatory frameworks—to position Indonesia as a competitive global research hub. A key goal is to dramatically accelerate the regulatory process for clinical trials, targeting an approval time of just two weeks. This acceleration is designed to attract up to 200 global clinical trial sponsors annually, with a potential economic impact exceeding USD 1.5 billion.
The MoH’s future-forward strategy centers on three pivotal technological areas: health biotechnology (including mRNA), Artificial Intelligence (AI) for healthcare services, and medical robotics. The deployment of mRNA technology is particularly highlighted for its application across infectious diseases, cancer treatment, and nanotechnology innovations.
In a concrete step, an mRNA platform machine has been secured through collaborations with partners like Bio Farma, GAVI, and CEPI, establishing a shared facility to foster technological leaps among academics, companies, and research institutions nationwide. This decisive action aligns with the broader national goal of mastering all critical vaccine platforms to secure national supply and enhance global contribution.
