Indonesia’s rich biodiversity, dense population and role as an international transport hub increase the risk of emerging diseases. These risks are intensified by unequal capacity across regions, gaps in subnational systems, uneven human resources and ongoing challenges in multisectoral coordination within a decentralised governance context.
In response to these challenges, and based on recommendations from the International Health Regulations Joint External Evaluation and Indonesia’s National Action Plan for Health Security, the Government of Indonesia has kicked off priority activities under a grant from the Pandemic Fund. These efforts are being carried out in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Bank, along with national and international partners. The programme was formalized through a series of coordination and technical meetings, with official launch of the Collaborative Approach for Resilient Surveillance and Pandemic Preparedness in Indonesia, known as the CARE-I programme, on 15–16 April 2026 in Jakarta.
CARE-I is financed by the Pandemic Fund, a global financing mechanism established in 2022 to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The programme focuses on advancing the One Health approach by strengthening collaboration across human, animal and environmental health sectors at both national and subnational levels. It will be implemented for three years from 2026 to 2028.
Throughout the programme, WHO and FAO will provide technical and expert support. This includes training laboratory staff to strengthen disease testing, ensure the safe and secure handling of biological materials, and maintain high-quality standards. The two organizations will also help improve surveillance systems, train frontline health workers to detect and respond to outbreaks, and enhance coordination across sectors to prevent diseases that spread from animals to humans.
The CARE-I kick-off meeting brought together more than 50 representatives from various ministries and organizations. This included the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Forestry, National Research and Innovation Agency, WHO, FAO and World Bank.
“CARE-I will strengthen Indonesia preparedness for future public health threats,” said Dr Andi Saguni, Secretary of the Directorate General Diseases Control at the Ministry of Health. “We look forward to the full implementation of the programme through close collaboration and shared responsibility for a more resilient Indonesia.”
By strengthening how public health threats are detected and managed, CARE-I helps protect what matters most to people in Indonesia: their families, livelihoods and sense of security. Earlier detection and stronger response mean fewer lives disrupted by illness, fewer children missing school, and fewer communities facing fear and uncertainty during outbreaks. A more resilient health system gives people confidence that, in times of crisis, help will come quickly and essential services will continue, allowing the country to move forward together.
Representatives of the Government of Indonesia and international partners during the CARE-I programme kick-off meeting. From left: Pandu Harimukti (World Bank), Dr Andre Notohamijoyo (Coordinating Ministry of Human Development and Culture), Dr Andi Saguni (Ministry of Health), Professor Sukadiono (Coordinating Ministry of Human Development and Culture), Professor NLP Indi Dharmayanti (National Research and Innovation Agency), Dr Hendra Wibawa (Ministry of Agriculture), Dr Farida Camalia Zaenal (FAO) and Tamara Curtin Niemi (WHO). Credit: WHO/Endang Wulandari
This activity is hosted by the Ministry of Health and supported by the Pandemic Fund.
Written by Dr Endang Widuri Wulandari, National Professional Officer (Epidemiologist), WHO Indonesia