Jakarta — June 4, 2026 — Indonesia is taking important steps to improve access to age-appropriate medicines for children, following a national inception workshop convened by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization’s Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulation (GAP-f) initiative.
The workshop, held in March, brought together around 40 participants from government agencies, universities, hospitals, manufacturers, and development partners to examine barriers across the paediatric medicines pathway. Discussions highlighted challenges such as the limited availability of child-friendly formulations, gaps in demand visibility, and misalignment between policy decisions, procurement planning, and clinical practice.
Children aged 0–14 make up 23.5% of Indonesia’s population, yet many essential treatments remain unavailable in suitable forms like oral liquids or dispersible tablets. Health workers often adapt adult medicines for paediatric use, increasing risks of dosing inaccuracies. “Children require medicines that are specifically designed for their needs. Strengthening access requires coordinated efforts across regulation, supply systems and health services,” said Dr Lucia Rizka Andalucia, Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices.
Experts including Professor Dyah Perwitasari and Professor Erna Kristin emphasized the need for clearer data on children’s treatment requirements to guide research, regulatory approvals, and procurement.
Since the workshop, dialogue has continued through technical engagements, including a May follow-up session with WHO and the Ministry of Health to refine the scope of Indonesia’s paediatric medicines landscape analysis. The assessment will inform practical recommendations for policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders, aiming to ensure more consistent and equitable access to essential medicines for children.
This initiative marks a significant step toward building a stronger paediatric medicines ecosystem in Indonesia, aligning national priorities with regional experiences to deliver better health outcomes for millions of children.
