RRI.CO.ID, Depok - Indonesia is prioritizing domestic pharmaceutical production to shield its large population from future global health crises. Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, inaugurated Bayer Indonesia’s expanded manufacturing and research facility in Depok, West Java, Wednesday, 14 January 2026.

He emphasized that local production is vital for national security. This strategic move aims to reduce heavy reliance on imported medical supplies.

According to the official press release, Minister Sadikin mentioned that COVID-19 pandemic exposed major vulnerabilities in countries lacking independent vaccine and drug manufacturing. Travel restrictions often disrupted global supply chains, leaving import-dependent nations at high risk.

He likened health industry investment to building critical infrastructure. This became the reason domestic industrial capacity is essential for protecting citizens during any future large-scale outbreaks.

“Without domestic industrial capacity, large populations such as Indonesia face serious risks when global outbreaks occur,” he stated.

Bayer Indonesia has invested 99 billion rupiah to upgrade its Cimanggis plant. This facility now serves as a global research and development hub for the company.

The expansion enables the production of 1.2 billion Multiple Micronutrient Supplement tablets annually. These products will supply the Indonesian market and 42 other countries worldwide.

German Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor Leste Ralf Beste praised the initiative as a symbol of strong bilateral cooperation. He noted that local production and technology transfer strengthen both nations' economies.

“We are delighted to see the decision to manufacture in Indonesia and make Indonesia a hub. This brings benefits in the form of local production, knowledge transfer, and the strengthening of German–Indonesian partnerships,” he said. He noted that the health and pharmaceutical sectors will serve as primary pillars for future economic cooperation between both nations.

Indonesia is positioning itself as a regional pharmaceutical hub through these international partnerships. This development marks a significant step toward achieving long-term national health resilience.