Jakarta, August 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: President Prabowo Subianto on Monday conferred Medals of Merit and Honor upon a number of distinguished scientists and professionals in the health sector, including the patent holder of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and the developer of the Nusantara Immunotherapy method.
Among the honorees was Carina Citra Dewi Joe, recipient of the Bintang Jasa Utama, recognized for her outstanding contributions to biotechnology and global health. Carina, who holds the patent for the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, played a pivotal role in formulating the vaccine’s mass production process during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Thank you, President Prabowo Subianto, for your appreciation. I think this is very important, especially in the health sector, because it is one form of national health resilience,” she stated at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. She emphasized that the world community urgently required effective vaccines to combat the pandemic and mitigate its broader impact.
Carina was also awarded an Honorary Professorship (Honoris Causa) in Engineering and Biomanufacturing by Airlangga University on December 20, 2023, in recognition of her scientific achievements.
Also honored was Dr. Terawan Agus Putranto, radiologist and Minister of Health from 2019 to 2020, who received the Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana. Terawan is widely known for developing the Nusantara Immunotherapy, a treatment method harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer and infectious diseases through the use of local Indonesian ingredients. The innovation has also been introduced in Timor-Leste and has sparked interest from several other nations.
“The Bintang Mahaputera Adipradana is a badge of honor for me, and a reminder to work harder and dedicate myself to the country,” Terawan remarked, expressing deep gratitude to President Prabowo. He noted that this was his second state recognition, following the Bintang Mahaputera Nararya awarded by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2013.
In total, President Prabowo awarded state decorations to 141 figures at the ceremony, acknowledging contributions across diverse fields, including government, academia, the arts, and professional service.
