Indonesia Moves from WHO SEARO to WPRO: Benefits and New Directions for Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially approved Indonesias regional affiliation transfer from the South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO SEARO) to the Western Pacific Regional Office (WHO WPRO). This monumental decision received unanimous support from member states during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva, Switzerland. This transfer becomes effective on May 23, 2025 , marking a new chapter in Indonesias involvement in the global health arena. The transition process will be implemented gradually, involving close coordination between the Indonesian Government, WHO SEARO, and WHO WPRO. Official WHO documentation, particularly document A78/31, formally details Indonesias request along with the views of the relevant regional committees regarding this transfer.  

This step taken by Indonesia far transcends a mere administrative change. It is a strategic decision laden with profound implications, not only for the direction of Indonesias national health policy but also for its position and influence within the global health architecture and governance. This decision reflects a comprehensive evaluation and mature consideration of Indonesias needs, challenges, and aspirations on the world stage, especially in facing the ever-changing dynamics of global health.  

This transfer can be seen as a manifestation of Indonesias proactivity, particularly after significant lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of merely reacting to crises, Indonesia is actively seeking to reformulate its global health strategy by seeking collaboration platforms deemed more optimal and aligned with its national interests. The COVID-19 pandemic, as acknowledged by various parties , has served as a crucial catalyst, exposing various limitations while highlighting the urgent need for more effective international cooperation. Therefore, the decision to switch to WPRO is not a momentary response but the fruit of long-term strategic reflection on how Indonesia can more effectively contribute to, and simultaneously derive maximum benefit from, the global health system in the future. This signifies a paradigm shift from mere reactivity in facing crises to proactivity in designing health diplomacy and policy.  

Furthermore, this decision also underscores the assertion of Indonesias national interests within the framework of multilateralism. Despite some notes and requests for reconsideration from several SEARO member states , Indonesia stood firm. This indicates that Indonesia meticulously prioritizes strategic alignment and long-term potential benefits for national interests above mere regional sentiment. Indonesias firm statement in the SEARO Regional Committee report, which "reaffirmed its wish to be reassigned to the Western Pacific Region and informed that this decision had been made at the highest level based on national requirements" , explicitly reinforces this view. This is a manifestation of sovereignty in choosing a multilateral forum deemed most conducive and beneficial for achieving the national health development agenda and enhancing Indonesias global role.  

2. Background and Fundamental Reasons for Indonesias Transfer to WPRO

Indonesias decision to switch from WHO SEARO to WPRO is based on a series of multifaceted fundamental considerations, encompassing crucial lessons from global health crises, in-depth analysis of geographical and epidemiological conditions, and a long-term strategic vision to enhance Indonesias role and capacity in the global health arena.

One of the main drivers is the valuable lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. This global health crisis clearly demonstrated the urgency for Indonesia to establish closer and more responsive collaboration with its nearest neighboring countries to address shared health challenges more effectively. The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health, Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha, has consistently emphasized that the pandemic experience was a crucial factor prompting a re-evaluation of Indonesias regional affiliation.  

Furthermore, epidemiological, geographical, and connectivity considerations play a central role. Indonesia shares similar epidemiological characteristics and faces public health issues comparable to many countries in the Western Pacific region. Geographically, Indonesia holds a unique position with direct land and sea borders with 10 countries, and has direct flight routes to 18 neighboring countries, the majority of which fall under the WPRO framework. More specifically, provinces in eastern Indonesia, such as Papua and Maluku, face health challenges and geographical conditions that bear many similarities to the Pacific island nations that are WPRO members. Meanwhile, communities on Sumatra Island have significant ethnic and cultural proximity to Malaysia and Singapore, both of which are also WPRO members. These geographical factors and high connectivity levels inherently increase cross-border epidemiological risks, which in turn demand robust and closely coordinated disease surveillance and response mechanisms with other WPRO member states.  

Indonesias vision for an enhanced role in global health diplomacy and access to innovation also serves as an important foundation. This transfer aligns with Indonesias ambition to actively elevate its role in the global health diplomacy arena. Additionally, there is a strong desire to gain broader access to various innovations, the latest technologies, and more diverse health resources. Analysis from ScienceWatchdog.id highlights that this move reflects Indonesias strategic shift from "traditional development alliances towards innovation-centric cooperation" with developed countries in WPRO such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia.  

There are also indications that potential dissatisfaction with internal dynamics in SEARO may have contributed, albeit indirectly. Several reports, including from ScienceWatchdog.id and the medical journal The Lancet , allude to leadership controversies in SEARO that could potentially affect perceptions of regional governance integrity. This contrasts with WPROs image, which more prominently features a focus on innovation, strong data governance, and structured pandemic preparedness.  

Overall, the reasons for this transfer are comprehensive, combining practical aspects such as geographical proximity, similar epidemiological profiles, and concrete lessons from the pandemic, with long-term strategic aspects including strengthening health diplomacy and accelerating access to innovation. This indicates careful and mature calculation on the part of the Indonesian Government in making this important decision.

This transfer can also be interpreted as a shrewd health geopolitical move. By joining WPRO, Indonesia strategically positions itself closer to technological innovation hubs and major economic powers in the Western Pacific region, an arena that is also a center of broader global geopolitical dynamics. References to countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and China as potential collaboration partners in WPRO imply not only cooperation in the health sector but also reflect efforts to build closer relationships with key players in an economically and technologically more advanced region. This is a strategic step that transcends purely health considerations and extends into the realm of more comprehensive regional strategy.  

Furthermore, behind the desire for access lies Indonesias goal to become an active contributor to the health innovation ecosystem, as well as to attract investment and research collaboration in this field. WPRO, with its more conducive platform, is seen as the right vehicle to realize these ambitions. The desire to "share expertise" and "gain greater access to innovation" indicates an aspiration for a two-way relationship. Indonesia not only wishes to receive benefits but also to contribute significantly and become an integral part of the innovation ecosystem. WPRO, with member countries like Japan and South Korea that possess significant advantages in health technology, offers a much more fertile environment for knowledge exchange and joint development compared to SEAROs traditional focus.  

To provide a clearer picture of the context of this transfer, the following table presents a comparison of the general characteristics between WHO SEARO and WPRO:

Table 1: Comparison of General Characteristics of WHO SEARO and WPRO

This comparison table succinctly presents the fundamental differences between the two regional offices, facilitating an understanding of their contrasting characteristics and highlighting Indonesias strategic alignment with WPRO. It visually supports the argument that WPRO offers a platform more suited to Indonesias current and future aspirations and challenges, particularly in terms of innovation and partnership with technologically more advanced countries.

3. Comprehensive Benefits for Indonesia as a WHO WPRO Member

Indonesias transfer to the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) is expected to bring a series of comprehensive benefits that will strengthen the national health system, enhance capacity to handle health challenges, and expand Indonesias role and influence in the global health arena. These benefits span various dimensions, from increased regional collaboration to access to cutting-edge innovation.

3.1. Enhanced Regional Health Collaboration and Networks

One of the most direct benefits of moving to WPRO is the strengthening of cross-regional collaboration in public health. By joining WPRO, Indonesia will engage in more intensive and structured cross-border cooperation, particularly in disease surveillance and outbreak response, especially with neighboring countries, the majority of which are WPRO members. This is crucial given the high population mobility and risk of disease spread in this region.  

Furthermore, membership in WPRO will expand Indonesias access to a broader and more diverse global health cooperation network. WPRO, as one of WHOs regional offices, facilitates cooperation with 37 countries and areas in the Western Pacific region , covering more than a quarter of the worlds population and representing a very diverse spectrum of health contexts, from developed countries to small island nations. Geographical proximity and similar epidemiological profiles with many WPRO member states provide a solid foundation for building more effective and mutually beneficial collaborations. Indonesia will have greater opportunities to learn from other countries experiences, share best practices, and adopt innovative solutions relevant to national health challenges.  

Indonesias presence as a large country in WPRO has the potential to strengthen the cohesion and collective influence of Western Pacific countries in formulating agendas and making decisions on global health issues. WPRO, which already includes influential countries such as China, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, as well as other ASEAN countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Vietnam , will be further solidified by Indonesias inclusion. This greater concentration of health power and interests can translate into a stronger collective voice in global negotiations, international standard-setting, and health resource allocation.  

Moreover, closer collaboration in cross-border disease surveillance, as emphasized by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health, Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha, regarding increased epidemiological risks due to geographical and connectivity factors , will not only benefit Indonesia internally but also significantly enhance regional health security (collective health security) as a whole. This benefit is reciprocal; Indonesias health security will contribute to regional health security, and vice versa, creating a safer and more resilient environment against disease threats.  

3.2. Access to Innovation, Technology, and Health Resources

Access to innovation, the latest technology, and more advanced health resources is one of the main drivers and significant benefits of Indonesias move to WPRO. The Western Pacific region is known as one of the global innovation hubs, and WPRO actively promotes the use of technology for health advancement. Indonesia will gain access to WPROs stronger digital health ecosystem and real-time data surveillance platforms. Specifically, WPROs Health Information and Intelligence Platform is expected to strengthen and enhance the capabilities of Indonesias national health data system, SatuSehat. This support aligns with the work of the Health Information and Digital Health (HID) unit at WPRO, which specifically assists member states in strengthening health information systems and utilizing data for decision-making.  

WPRO also has a strong focus on innovation, as reflected in its strategic vision, "For the Future: Towards the Healthiest and Safest Region", and through various initiatives such as the "WHO Western Pacific Innovation Challenge". Involvement in such forums and initiatives will open opportunities for Indonesia to learn, adapt, and implement innovative health solutions.  

Furthermore, this move opens opportunities for closer strategic partnerships with WPRO member states that have significant advantages in health innovation. The potential for collaboration is diverse, as identified in strategic analyses:  

• With Japan, collaboration can focus on digital health development, robotics in elderly care, and the application of AI-based diagnostics.

• With Australia, cooperation can include overall health system strengthening, learning from indigenous public health models, and developing climate-responsive health policies.

• With South Korea, opportunities lie in developing smart hospitals, exploring innovative Universal Health Coverage (UHC) financing models, and utilizing health information technology.

• With China, collaboration can focus on enhancing communicable disease surveillance systems and joint research on the use of herbal medicines in modern health systems.

Joining WPRO is not just about accessing existing technology, but more importantly, about becoming an integral part of an ecosystem that actively encourages the development and adoption of next-generation digital health solutions. This has the potential to significantly accelerate the modernization of health services in Indonesia. WPROs strong regional commitment to digital health transformation, through programs like Health Information and Digital Health and its focus on "digital health transformation" , indicates that Indonesias participation can mean active involvement in standards development, new technology trials, and faster, more effective adoption of best practices.  

Moreover, intensive collaboration with innovative countries in WPRO, such as Japan in robotics or South Korea in health information technology , can trigger substantial technology and knowledge transfer. This process, in turn, can potentially drive the growth of Indonesias domestic health technology industry. Such partnerships could involve training programs, joint research, or even direct investment, becoming fertile ground for developing local solutions tailored to Indonesias specific needs, creating new jobs, and, in the long run, reducing dependence on imported health products and technologies.  

The following table summarizes key potential strategic partnerships in WPRO and relevant areas of collaboration for Indonesia:

Table 2: Key Strategic Partnerships in WPRO and Potential Areas of Collaboration for Indonesia

This table concretizes how Indonesia can leverage WPRO membership for specific technical and programmatic advantages, going beyond general statements about "access to innovation," and shows that this move is based on a targeted mapping of collaboration potential.

3.3. Strengthening Capacity to Address National Health Challenges

Indonesia currently faces a complex epidemiological transition, characterized by a double burden of disease: communicable diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) which are still endemic, alongside the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Membership in WPRO is expected to strengthen Indonesias capacity to address both types of disease challenges. WPRO has structured programs and expertise in handling NCDs , which are highly relevant to Indonesias evolving domestic needs.  

Besides NCDs, Indonesia also needs to address other important health issues such as mental health, health challenges due to population ageing, and various health emergencies triggered or exacerbated by climate change. WPRO explicitly makes "NCDs and ageing" and "Climate change and health" its regional priorities. This ensures that Indonesia will receive support and access to frameworks and best practices in handling these crucial issues.  

Specifically, Indonesia can utilize WPROs comprehensive framework for planetary health and climate change adaptation. Given Indonesias geographical vulnerability to climate change impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and transboundary haze, collaboration within WPRO becomes highly strategic. WPROs "For the Future" vision clearly integrates this priority , offering a platform for sharing knowledge, technology, and mitigation and adaptation strategies. WPRO also actively supports the integration of NCD services into Primary Health Care (PHC) systems and promotes programs like the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease interventions (WHO PEN) , which can be adopted and adapted by Indonesia to strengthen health services at the grassroots level.  

Membership in WPRO has the potential to encourage Indonesia to adopt a more systemic and integrated, or "whole-of-system approach," in addressing NCDs and ageing issues. This means moving beyond purely curative medical interventions towards broader health promotion efforts, early disease prevention, and the provision of coordinated, quality long-term care. WPROs priority on "NCDs and ageing" and its focus on integrating NCD services into PHC demonstrate a commitment to systemic solutions. This aligns well with Indonesias need to shift its paradigm from the dominance of curative services towards strengthening preventive and promotive efforts, as also implied in various national health policy statements. WPRO can provide the models, technical guidance, and capacity support needed to facilitate this important transformation.  

Furthermore, with WPRO having a specific priority on the health impacts of climate change , Indonesia can access more advanced knowledge, technology, and adaptation-mitigation strategies to protect its health system and population from the climate crisis. This is highly relevant given that Indonesia is an archipelagic nation highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. WPROs support, which also focuses on Pacific countries facing similar vulnerabilities, can include developing early warning systems for climate-related diseases, designing more climate-resilient health facilities, and implementing comprehensive public health strategies to address health risks from climate change, especially in coastal areas and small islands.  

3.4. Enhancing Role in Global Health Diplomacy and SDG Achievement

The move to WPRO is not only aimed at obtaining technical and programmatic benefits but also at strengthening Indonesias position and role in health diplomacy at the global level. As a large country with a significant population and diverse health challenges, Indonesia possesses valuable experience and expertise to share. WPRO can serve as a more effective platform for Indonesia to share its expertise and experiences with other countries, both developed and developing, in the region.  

Active involvement in WPRO is also expected to accelerate Indonesias progress towards achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WPROs strategic vision, "For the Future", is explicitly aligned with the global SDGs agenda , ensuring that regional programs and initiatives will support Indonesias national efforts in achieving its established health targets.  

With its specific expertise and experience, for instance, in handling tropical diseases or managing health systems in a large and complex archipelagic country, Indonesia has the potential to assume a regional leadership role in WPRO on these issues. This will not only enhance Indonesias health diplomacy profile but also make a tangible contribution to health advancement in the Western Pacific region. Statements about "sharing expertise" imply the added value Indonesia can offer. WPRO, with its diverse membership including Pacific island nations facing similar challenges , can become a forum where Indonesias experience in managing health systems in complex geographical areas becomes highly valuable and widely recognized.  

Furthermore, Indonesia can use the WPRO platform to voice its unique perspective as a large developing country actively transforming and innovating in the health sector. By doing so, Indonesia can influence the global narrative on how Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health-related SDGs can be achieved sustainably, especially from the viewpoint of countries with similar characteristics. Indonesias commitment to UHC and SDG achievement, combined with its move to the innovation-focused WPRO , positions Indonesia to share new models and innovative approaches in achieving these targets. These models may offer different alternatives to approaches commonly applied in developed or less dynamic developing countries, thus becoming an important contribution to global health diplomacy discourse and practice.  

The following table outlines WHO WPROs "For the Future" vision along with its thematic priorities and their relevance to Indonesia:

Table 3: WHO WPROs "For the Future" Vision: Thematic Priorities and Relevance for Indonesia

The "For the Future" vision is WPROs main strategic framework. Mapping Indonesias priorities in alignment with this vision reinforces the argument that this move is a strategic step that will bring significant benefits. This table explicitly links WPROs priorities with Indonesias needs and potential benefits, providing concrete evidence of this alignment and helping to understand that Indonesia is joining a regional organization with a clear and highly relevant agenda for national challenges and aspirations.

4. Strategic Implications and Indonesias New Position in the Global Health Arena

Indonesias move to WHO WPRO is not merely an administrative maneuver but a strategic step with significant implications for Indonesias position in global health governance and multilateral dynamics. This decision reshapes Indonesias position within the global health architecture , signaling a desire to play a more proactive and influential role.  

This step can also be seen as an important signal for other middle-income countries in re-evaluating their models of multilateral engagement. Indonesia, with this decision, implicitly states that it no longer positions itself solely as an "aid recipient" in the global health context, but as an "equal partner in co-creating health innovation". This is a fundamental shift in self-perception, from an object of development to an active subject in the search for global health solutions.  

Furthermore, Indonesias transition challenges traditional notions of static and rigid regional ownership. Instead, this move opens the door for a more dynamic, flexible, and purpose-driven model of regional affiliation, oriented towards strategic goals and functional alignment. This indicates that countries can proactively choose multilateral platforms that best suit their evolving needs and aspirations. Thus, Indonesias transfer to WPRO has the potential to become a precedent for the development of a more fluid, function-oriented diplomacy model in the global health arena , where the effectiveness of collaboration and shared interests become primary considerations.  

Analysis from the Geneva Global Health Hub contextualizes this "regional repositioning" trend as a reflection of broader adjustment efforts by countries in the Global South. These countries are seeking to recalibrate their influence in various multilateral forums, a process driven not only by urgent needs in the health sector but also by broader geopolitical strategy considerations and efforts to build a stronger national brand on the international stage.  

Indonesias move can be understood as a manifestation of "middle power diplomacy" in the global health context. As analyzed by institutions like Chatham House regarding Indonesias role as a middle power capable of influencing global politics through non-military means, including through the utilization of multilateral institutions, this WHO membership transfer is a concrete example of applying such diplomacy in the health sector. Indonesia is actively choosing an arena deemed most suitable for its long-term national development agenda, such as the "Golden Indonesia 2045" vision , and its vision for a more just and equitable international order.  

If Indonesias proactive step is followed by other countries with similar profiles, it could potentially mark a paradigm shift in the global health development model. The traditional model, often dominated by donor-recipient relationships, could begin to shift towards a more equal, collaborative, and innovation-based partnership model. This is particularly relevant for the increasingly dynamic and assertive cooperation dynamics among Global South countries. The statement that Indonesia sees itself "not as an aid recipient, but as a partner in co-creating health innovation" is key to this potential shift, challenging old dichotomies and opening space for a more inclusive and responsive global health development cooperation architecture that caters to the capacities and aspirations of all parties.  

5. Transition Challenges and Mitigation Efforts

Although the move to WHO WPRO promises various strategic benefits, this transition process is not without potential challenges that require careful management and effective mitigation efforts. Prudent transition management is crucial to minimize disruption to ongoing programs and maximize the positive potential of this new affiliation.

One major concern is the continuity of programs initiated under SEAROs auspices. Indonesia must ensure that priority programs, especially those related to Tuberculosis (TB) control, maternal health improvement, and neglected tropical disease management, continue to run effectively and do not lose momentum during the transition period. As an anticipatory measure, the Indonesian Government has stated its commitment to maintaining close bilateral and multilateral cooperation with SEARO member states, building on long-standing and productive partnerships. The implementation of this commitment will be key to maintaining program continuity.  

Another significant challenge lies in internal bureaucratic coordination and technical adjustments. Shifting reporting mechanisms, harmonizing data standards, and adjusting funding and resource flows require solid coordination among relevant government agencies and with WHO. This process demands time, resources, and a high capacity for adaptation from all parties involved.  

Furthermore, Indonesia needs to adapt its national strategic health plan to align with the metrics and frameworks used in WPRO. This also includes proactive efforts to secure Indonesias position and influence within WPROs governance structure , enabling active participation in shaping the regional agenda. This is important so that Indonesia is not merely a follower but an active contributor to WPRO dynamics.  

Internal disparities within Indonesias health system across regional boundaries also pose a challenge that needs continuous attention. Although Indonesia has made progress in digital literacy, surveillance capacity, and institutional interoperability, ensuring equitable access and quality of health services throughout the archipelago remains an important agenda that must be integrated into the WPRO adaptation strategy.  

To address these various challenges, there is an urgent need to negotiate a comprehensive multi-year transition framework with WHO. This framework must be designed to ensure harmonious alignment between legacy programs from SEARO and future agendas and priorities in WPRO , thereby preventing programmatic gaps that could undermine public health efforts.  

During the period of bureaucratic transition and focus adjustment to WPRO, there is a risk of "losing momentum" on crucial national priority programs. Programs such as TB control, stunting reduction acceleration, and maternal and child health improvement, which have been major government focuses, could experience slowdowns or lack of attention if not managed very carefully. The process of adapting to WPRO metrics and potential resource reallocation, both financial and human, could inadvertently divert focus from ongoing domestic priorities if there is no clear and measurable mitigation strategy. Indonesias statement to continue close cooperation with SEARO member states is an important mitigation effort, but the effectiveness of its implementation on the ground will be a key determinant.  

Moreover, to truly leverage WPRO membership and effectively secure a strategic position within its governance structure, Indonesia needs to enhance the capacity of its human resources in the health sector, not only in technical aspects but also in health diplomacy skills and negotiation capabilities in more competitive international forums. WPRO includes developed countries with very strong and experienced technical and diplomatic teams. To be able to "secure a position in WPROs governance structure" and actively participate in shaping the regional agenda, Indonesian representatives must possess proficient negotiation skills, a deep understanding of complex global technical health issues, and the ability to build strategic alliances. This may require sustained investment in training programs, capacity development, and the placement of appropriate human resources in various WPRO platforms.  

6. Concluding Perspective: Weaving Indonesias Health Future in the Western Pacific

Indonesias transfer from WHO SEARO to WPRO marks a strategic step with great potential to reassert Indonesias role and contribution in the global health arena. This decision, based on mature consideration of national needs and regional health dynamics, opens new opportunities for Indonesia to accelerate the achievement of its national health goals while enhancing its influence at the international level.  

It is important to emphasize that prudent and effective transition management will be the main key to maximizing the expected benefits and overcoming potential challenges that may arise. If managed well, Indonesias move will not only benefit the nation itself but also potentially serve as a "blueprint" or model for other developing countries seeking to find multilateral platforms most suited to their aspirations and needs in the ever-changing global health landscape.  

The support expressed by several WPRO member states for Indonesias integration , as well as the positive views from the WPRO Regional Committee highlighting potential benefits for the region in terms of strengthening health security and addressing shared health challenges , provide an optimistic foundation for productive collaboration in the future.