Indonesia nominates Health Minister for WHO Director-General

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has officially nominated Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin for the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), in a major push to reform global health governance and amplify the voice of developing nations.

The strategic bid to lead the global health body highlights Southeast Asia’s largest economy’s intention to drive multilateral reform from within rather than lobbying from the sidelines, according to Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir.

"The nomination of our Health Minister as WHO Director-General aims to foster a global health architecture that is more equitable for developing nations," Arrmanatha stated in Jakarta on Monday.

Speaking during his inaugural press address, Arrmanatha criticized the current multilateral system for failing to adequately serve developing countries.

Therefore, Indonesia continues to advocate for reform across multilateral institutions.

Arrmanatha stated that Minister Budi’s candidacy highlights Indonesia's commitment to delivering concrete contributions toward global health governance.

He further highlighted that this commitment aligns with Indonesia's active role on the United Nations Board of Auditors to bolster accountability and transparency across international bodies.

Driven by the same diplomatic mandate, Indonesia is also pursuing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term.

"Indonesia will champion a UN Security Council that is more effective, representative, transparent, and democratic," Arrmanatha added.

He reaffirmed that Indonesia will continue urging the UN and multilateral bodies like the WHO to become more efficient, representative, and responsive to the global community's aspirations.

Given that international law and multilateralism are vital to global stability, Arrmanatha stressed that international agreements must apply universally to all nations rather than serving a select few.

Health Minister Budi is set to contest six other candidates for the top WHO leadership post, with elections scheduled for May 2027.

In the race for the position, Budi will compete against notable global contenders, including former WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge (nominated by Belgium), former Qatari Health Minister Hanan Al-Kuwari, and WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy.

The incumbent WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will complete his term on August 15, 2027.

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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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