VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Government and the Philippines Governmenŕ continue to strengthen diplomatic relations by holding the Indonesia-Philippines Health Forum which is a collaborative forum to facilitate health discussions, such as the latest trends, challenges and potential for economic and educational partnerships in the health sector.

Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, Agus Widjojo through an official statement from the Indonesian Embassy Manila received in Jakarta on Tuesday (22/10) said that the Indonesia-Philippines Health Forum is a proof of a joint commitment to enhance health cooperation and address health challenges faced by both countries.

Ambassador Agus hopes that the forum held at the Indonesian Embassy in Manila on October 21 can build a strong foundation of collaboration in the health sector. The forum is part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.

The Indonesian Embassy in Manila stated that the health forum is a follow-up to the mandate of the 2022-2027 Action Plan, which was agreed upon by both countries during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit to Indonesia in 2022.

On the same occasion, Director of Southeast Asia at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mirza Nurhidayat, emphasized that the forum was very appropriate and important, especially to continue to build cooperation in creating stronger supply chains, resilient health systems and services, and meeting the needs of the community. In addition, it was enriched by presentations from health experts.

The Indonesia-Philippines Health Forum also featured a business matching session to encourage economic cooperation while building mutually beneficial partnerships between medical device entrepreneurs from both countries.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Indonesian Medical Device Ecosystem Development Association -HIPELKI, Randy Teguh in his speech said that Indonesian health products and services have met the safety, quality and performance elements required as medical device products.

He also emphasized that with 207 competent members, the Indonesian Medical Device Ecosystem Development Association will be a valuable asset to build Indonesia's strength in exporting medical devices to ASEAN and other markets.

The Indonesian Medical Device Ecosystem Development Association brought 11 Indonesian companies to join the business matching. The association also represented 30 other companies under their umbrella, while 34 Philippine companies joined the session.

The business matching has also explored future collaborations, such as joint research and long-term partnerships in medical device trade and nursing education.