Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Indonesia has officially transitioned from the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEARO) to the Western Pacific Region (WPRO), following a consensus decision during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on 23 May 2025. 

“This decision is part of Indonesia’s broader vision to enhance health diplomacy, deepen collaboration with neighboring countries, and gain greater access to innovation and global health resources,” said Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, in a statement on Monday (26/5/2025).

The shift was driven by epidemiological and geographical factors, including shared borders and direct flight routes to 18 WPRO countries. Eastern provinces like Papua and Maluku face similar health issues as Pacific Island nations, while western regions share cultural ties with Malaysia and Singapore, as reported by antaranews.com. 

Indonesia will continue cooperating with SEARO members bilaterally, while the transition will be implemented in phases with WHO coordination.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)