RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Indonesia's Vice Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, emphasized the importance of strengthening sharia healthcare services that are not only medically and technologically superior, but also capable of meeting the spiritual needs of the Indonesian people. He made this statement at the opening of the 6th International Islamic Healthcare Conference and Expo (IHEX) 2026 organized by the Indonesian Islamic Healthcare Council (MUKISI) in Tangerang on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

According to him, spiritual values are an integral part of Indonesian life, including healthcare. He believes this aligns with the first principle of Pancasila, the Indonesian ideology that reflects Indonesia's identity as a religious nation.

With a Muslim population reaching 87 percent, Indonesia has great potential to become a leading destination for halal healthcare services for both domestic and international patients. "This potential demands our readiness to provide holistic Sharia healthcare services," Dante said.

Deputy Minister of Health Dante explained that Sharia hospitals exist not only to prioritize medical and technological aspects, but also to provide holistic, humane, and equitable services as part of the transformation of the national healthcare system. "This achievement demonstrates our concrete commitment to integrating religious principles into every line of healthcare service," he said.

He also commended the development of Sharia hospitals in Indonesia. Currently, 24 hospitals have achieved Sharia certification, spread across Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan.

In addition to strengthening Sharia hospitals, Deputy Minister Dante also highlighted the importance of supporting the halal product ecosystem in the healthcare sector. By 2026, approximately 44,000 pharmaceutical products will have obtained halal certification.