Hi,

Middle-income countries are challenging the status quo in the international order. But the extent to which they will succeed depends on a number of factors including domestic realities and their aspirations in a changing world.

In today’s edition, we examine the evolving role of Indonesia in global health - a country illustrative of the growing power of emerging economies.

My colleague Naurah Assyifa Rilfi, has put together this timely analysis. Naurah is a part of the Geneva Health Files annual fellowship program. Write to us with your feedback.

Indonesia is playing a key role in the on-going negotiations at the WHO, and if rumours become true, may also play a future role at the organization! Read on!

Although our lens is Geneva-focussed, we also strive to bring you perspectives from the capitals - looking in from the outside. Thank you for reading!

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More soon!

Best,

Priti

Feel free to write to us: patnaik.reporting@gmail.com or Follow us on Twitter: @filesgeneva

I. GUEST ESSAY

Is Neutrality in Politics Making Indonesia “Checkmate” in the Global Health Play?

By Naurah Assyifa Rilfi

Rilfi is a public health practitioner and researcher from Indonesia with extensive experience in local and national health initiatives. Email: naurah.rilfi@gmail.com

Indonesia as Strategic Player in Global Health Diplomacy

Indonesia’s role in global health diplomacy cannot be separated from its unique geography, demographics, and political identity. As the world’s fifth-largest archipelago, Indonesia sits at the crossroads of Asia and Australia, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, making it a critical maritime hub in the Indo-Pacific region.

This strategic position provides Indonesia with significant leverage in trade, but it also exposes the country to recurring health challenges. Endemic tropical diseases such as tuberculosis, diarrheal illnesses, and lower respiratory infections continue to be major contributors to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the country.

Paradoxically, this persistent burden has also positioned Indonesia at the front-lines of addressing cross-border health challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks, pandemic preparedness, and maritime health security.