Jakarta, May 8, 2025 – The Europe Today: Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates underscored the critical importance of strengthening Indonesia’s education and health sectors, asserting that success in these two areas will shape the nation’s future. Gates made the remarks during a high-profile meeting with President Prabowo Subianto and leading Indonesian philanthropists in Jakarta on Wednesday.
“Education and health sectors can truly help Indonesia, and they should go hand in hand,” Gates stated in response to a question from Arini Saraswati Subianto, President Director of Persada Capital Investama, during a discussion attended by key figures from the country’s business and philanthropic community.
According to Gates, the interconnection between education and health can create a “virtuous cycle,” especially for children who represent Indonesia’s next generation. He cited data from Southeast Asia, pointing to Singapore and Vietnam as successful examples.
“Singapore, as one of the highest-income countries, has the best educational achievements in the world. Meanwhile, Vietnam could emerge as one of the high-income countries in the region due to its education system,” he explained.
Gates identified essential factors behind the education success in both countries, including robust teacher training programs and high standards for teacher quality. He also highlighted India’s recent efforts in educational reform, noting that the South Asian country has adopted new methodologies over the past five years—particularly structural learning approaches—which have led to positive outcomes at the grassroots level.
Earlier in the day, Gates met with President Prabowo at the Merdeka Palace, followed by a closed-door discussion in the President’s office with several ministers from the Red and White Cabinet. The meeting focused on a range of strategic topics, including innovation, human capital, and sustainable development.
Following the official talks, President Prabowo introduced Gates to a group of prominent Indonesian business leaders and philanthropists. Attendees included Chairul Tanjung, Haji Abdul Rasyid, Garibaldi Thohir, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Prajogo Pangestu, Arsjad Rasjid, Tomy Winata, James Riady, Anthony Salim, Dato’ Sri Tahir, Arini Saraswati Subianto, Wisnu Wardhana, and Haji Isam.
During the informal dialogue, Gates addressed two questions—one from Hashim Djojohadikusumo regarding nuclear energy, and another from Arini Saraswati Subianto on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how the private sector can contribute to advancing the education sector.
Gates’ visit to Indonesia reflects his ongoing commitment to global development, particularly in promoting equitable access to education and healthcare—priorities long championed through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
