RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesia's Ministry of Health and the International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) Japan, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand access to international-standard medical education and strengthen the competence of specialist doctors in Indonesia. The signing was carried out by the Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha, and the President of IUHW, Yasuhiro Suzuki, witnessed by the Indonesian Minister of Health, in Jakarta on Monday, April 13, 2026.

On this occasion, Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, expressed his appreciation for Japan's contribution to improving the country's healthcare system. He hoped that the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and IUHW would become an important legacy for Indonesia's future healthcare development.

"Japan has helped Indonesia significantly to improve its healthcare system, and I hope this collaboration between the Ministry of Health and IUHW can become a legacy for Indonesian healthcare," Budi said.

This MoU places medical education as a key pillar, encompassing a comprehensive approach, from postgraduate clinical training and specialist development (including fellowships), to strengthening the national health system. The scope of the collaboration also includes academic exchanges, technical assistance by Japanese experts in Indonesia, and health investment facilities for IUHW, in accordance with applicable regulations.

As a follow-up, the Directorate General of Health Human Resources will develop student and faculty exchange programs and increase the scholarship quota for Indonesian students at IUHW. IUHW is currently one of four Japanese institutions recognized by the Recognition for the Implementation of Medical Personnel Education Abroad.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has proposed the development of a double degree scheme recognized by both countries and adjustments to the length of service for scholarship recipients. It is hoped that the partnership between IUHW and teaching hospitals in Indonesia will accelerate technology transfer and support the more widespread implementation of hospital-based specialist medical education in Indonesia.