Indonesia Pursues Vaccine Independence Through CEPI Partnership

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia is making significant strides toward achieving vaccine independence by collaborating with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

According to Antara News Agency, this partnership aims to enhance the country's vaccine industry, local manufacturing capabilities, and pandemic response infrastructure.

Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir emphasized the importance of this collaboration during a meeting with CEPI representatives on Thursday, February 13. He noted that the collaboration would support Indonesia’s vaccine sector and the development of a robust pandemic response ecosystem.

“We value CEPI's support and hope it will foster partnerships with Indonesian vaccine producers,” said Arrmanatha. He expressed confidence that strengthening this partnership would help Indonesia become a regional hub for vaccine research, production, and distribution, aligning with President Prabowo’s priorities.

The Deputy Minister also mentioned the hope that CEPI would assist in the development of a tuberculosis vaccine, aligning with Indonesia's commitment to eradicating the disease.

CEPI Board Chair Professor Jane Halton and CEO Dr. Richard Hatchett praised the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its role in initiating the collaboration. They also acknowledged Indonesia’s strategic partnership with CEPI, which began in 2020.

Additionally, CEPI emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation with PT Bio Farma, Indonesia's state-owned pharmaceutical company, to boost the country's vaccine production capacity.

Established in 2017, CEPI is a global coalition created to develop health products that address future health risks, with support from Norway, India, the World Economic Forum, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Wellcome Group.