President Prabowo Subianto met with Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates on Wednesday at the Merdeka Palace in a show of deepening ties between Indonesia and the Gates Foundation. 

Gates’ visit is part of an ongoing strategic dialogue aimed at boosting collaboration in key areas such as health, nutrition, financial inclusion, and digital infrastructure. Prabowo greeted Gates personally as he stepped out of his car, sharing a warm handshake and brief exchange before leading him through a series of formalities including a photo session and talks inside the presidential office. 

The meeting brought together several high-level Indonesian officials, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Investment Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Communications Minister Meutya Hafid, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. 

At the heart of the visit was a reaffirmation of the Gates Foundation’s long-standing commitment to improving Indonesia’s health sector. Since 2009, the foundation has funneled more than USD 159 million in grants into the country, with nearly USD 119 million focused on healthcare – from vaccine development to distribution. One major initiative has been the fight against polio, with around IDR 1.3 trillion (USD 78.6 million) directed toward eradication efforts. That includes a partnership with Indonesian state-run firm Biofarma, which produces polio vaccines sent to 42 countries. 

The foundation’s footprint goes beyond health. It has channeled USD 5 million each into Indonesia’s agriculture and technology sectors, while also supporting local trials for malaria and tuberculosis vaccines. Prabowo said he was hopeful these trials would yield major breakthroughs. 

In a significant gesture, Prabowo announced plans to award Gates Indonesia’s highest civilian honor in recognition of his global humanitarian work. The award is expected to be formally presented in September when the president travels to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. 

Gates, for his part, used the opportunity to spotlight the foundation’s efforts to improve women’s health in Indonesia. He pointed to ongoing programs that tackle anemia in pregnant women, including micronutrient supplements and a new one-time anemia infusion technique. These are expected to be rolled out within the next couple of years. 

Gates also made a special visit to a local school to observe the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program in action. While he praised the initiative, Prabowo made clear that the program would move forward regardless of outside funding or recognition, calling it a critical investment in Indonesia’s future.