Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 08:02 AM UTC

Indonesia seeks stronger capacity to respond to health crises

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Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus underscored the importance of strengthening national capacity to respond swiftly to health crises, including those arising from natural disasters and infectious diseases.

In a video message broadcast during the 3rd Symposium of the Indonesian Health Resilience Association in Jakarta, as cited in a statement received on Tuesday, he highlighted the need for Indonesia to bolster preparedness against various health threats.

Octavianus said health resilience is an integral component of national resilience and stressed the need for strong synergy between civilian and military institutions in building a robust health system.

Drawing from Indonesia's experience in confronting natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and other health emergencies, he noted that the country had learned the importance of developing a health system capable of anticipating, responding to, and recovering from crises rapidly and effectively.

"Since health threats know no borders, it is crucial that we exchange knowledge, conduct joint research, and foster international cooperation to build a resilient and sustainable health system," he affirmed.

He also called for greater support for innovation and stronger mastery of health technologies to further reinforce Indonesia's national health resilience.

Also speaking at the symposium, John Deanfield, a cardiologist from University College London, emphasized the importance of disease prevention and risk management in strengthening health system resilience.

He noted that a strong focus on curative care alone would not be sufficient to build a resilient health system, stressing the need to enhance preventive capacities as an equally important component of healthcare preparedness.

For example, Deanfield cited cardiovascular disease and obesity as conditions whose risk factors can be managed through gradual and sustained changes in behavior and lifestyle.

He added that prevention can begin with practical measures that people can adopt in their daily lives as part of efforts to achieve long-term health.

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