Global philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates visited Indonesia on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, where he was warmly welcomed by President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta.
The visit underscores Gates’ growing commitment to advancing public health, nutrition, and digital infrastructure in the region.
Gates arrived at the palace at 8:15 a.m. local time and was greeted with a firm handshake by President Prabowo. Together, they walked into a formal meeting room where Gates was introduced to several top ministers, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, Investment Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
“President Prabowo and Bill Gates are scheduled to discuss several sustainable development initiatives, particularly on global health, nutrition, financial inclusion, and public digital infrastructure,” Yusuf stated, as quoted by CNBC Indonesia.
President Prabowo had earlier announced Gates’ visit during a cabinet session, highlighting the tech magnate’s interest in Indonesia’s social programs.
“He had long requested to meet. If I’m not mistaken, the letter came in November, expressing support and appreciation for our free nutritious meals program. I am deeply honored.” Prabowo said.
Gates Supports Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals Program
The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative, launched by the Indonesian government to tackle child malnutrition, is among the programs Gates strongly supports.
“One of the main purposes of his visit is to express support and appreciation for the MBG program,” Prabowo reiterated during the cabinet meeting, as reported by Tempo.co.
During the bilateral talks, Prabowo revealed that Gates had pledged a significant grant to Indonesia. “He has donated $159 million to Indonesia,” the President said, quoted by CNN Indonesia.
The grant includes $119 million for the health sector, $5 million for agriculture, another $5 million for technology, and more than $28 million for various social programs across multiple sectors. This substantial aid package reinforces Gates’ long-standing philanthropic mission and his trust in Indonesia’s efforts toward sustainable development.
Indonesia to Host Tuberculosis Vaccine Trials Backed by Gates Foundation
A major focus of the discussion was the development of vaccines, particularly for Tuberculosis (TBC). President Prabowo revealed that Indonesia has been selected as one of the trial sites for a new TBC vaccine being developed by Gates.
“Most of the funds will go to healthcare, especially strategic areas like vaccines. His support for polio vaccines, amounting to IDR 1.3 trillion, has helped Bio Farma become one of the largest vaccine producers, with 2 billion doses produced annually for 42 countries, benefiting 902 million people,” Prabowo explained, as quoted by Detik.com.
Gates is also advancing mRNA and other next-generation vaccine technologies, with particular attention to TBC and malaria—diseases that continue to pose significant threats in Indonesia.
“TBC still claims nearly 100,000 lives each year in our country. He is showing strong commitment to help us reduce these numbers. We are also looking forward to breakthroughs in malaria and TBC prevention.” said Prabowo.
Before arriving in Jakarta, Gates attended the Philanthropy Asia Summit in Singapore on May 5–6, 2025. There, he announced the opening of the Gates Foundation’s 12th global office—its first in Southeast Asia.
“We aim to improve access to knowledge and collaborate more effectively with the philanthropic community here,” Gates said during the summit.
His Southeast Asia tour and generous grant to Indonesia signal a strategic partnership in addressing public health challenges and promoting inclusive development. With Gates’ backing, President Prabowo aims to accelerate impactful programs that benefit millions of Indonesians, particularly children and vulnerable populations.
Source: cnbcindonesia.com, tempo.co, beritasatu.com, cnnindonesia.com, detik.com
Photo Credit: (ANTARA/Genta Tenri Mawangi)
