Bill Gates Praises Indonesia’s Health and Agricultural Innovations in Meeting with President Prabowo

Jakarta, Xweb.biz.id — World-renowned philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates visited President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday to discuss collaborative efforts on health, agriculture, and sustainable development in Indonesia.

The high-profile meeting also included several prominent Indonesian business figures and showcased the strengthening partnership between the Indonesian government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Bill Gates Commends Indonesia’s Vaccine Initiatives

During the meeting, Gates praised Indonesia for its leadership in adopting new vaccines such as rotavirus, pneumococcus, and HPV to protect children from life-threatening illnesses. He also emphasized Indonesia’s pivotal role in the ongoing tuberculosis (TB) vaccine trials.

“Indonesia is a great example of adopting new vaccines like rotavirus for diarrhea, pneumococcal for pneumonia, and now HPV is being introduced,” Gates said.

He applauded Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin’s role on the Gavi board, calling the collaboration “effective during the pandemic” and ongoing in several health programs.

A Gift for a Cat: Bobby Kertanegara Steals the Spotlight

A lighthearted moment occurred after the meeting when Gates met Bobby Kertanegara, President Prabowo’s beloved cat. Pushed in a stroller toward Gates, Bobby received a warm smile and a black-and-white Pope doll from the philanthropist.

“This is my gift I brought. Hi, Bobby, you famous,” Gates joked, prompting laughter from President Prabowo and other attendees.

Before Gates departed, Prabowo presented him with a traditional keris in appreciation.

Focus on Nutrition: MMS Supplements for Pregnant Women

Gates announced that Indonesia would be one of the first countries to launch the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) program to tackle anemia and malnutrition among pregnant women.

“We have evidence that this supplement can replace single folic acid doses. It’s more effective and safer,” said Gates.

The MMS tablets contain 15 essential nutrients, including iron, folic acid, zinc, and vitamin A. Each tablet is priced at approximately Rp 43,000 (US$2.60) and aims to support maternal health ahead of Indonesia’s 2045 Golden Generation goals.

Highlighting Agricultural Potential and Food Security

Gates also turned his focus to Indonesia’s agricultural sector, especially its banana genetic diversity. He noted the potential for improving crop resilience and supporting smallholder farmers.

“You have incredible genetic diversity in bananas… with proper development, it could help avoid plant diseases and increase yields,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture, improved seed development, and affordable fertilizer solutions to enhance food security and lift rural communities out of poverty.

“If we can make harvests more productive and stable, especially for small farmers, it will make a big difference,” Gates said.

The meeting marked a new chapter in the growing relationship between Indonesia and the Gates Foundation, focusing on health innovation, nutrition, and agricultural development. Both parties are committed to long-term cooperation to promote sustainable development, food security, and public health improvements.

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