In a landmark ceremony, the flag of the Republic of Indonesia was raised for the first time at the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila. This momentous occasion symbolized the country’s official transition from membership in WHO’s South-East Asia Region to the Western Pacific Region. Besides WHO staff at the Regional Office, the event was also attended by several dignitaries, including the Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Agus Widjojo.
Indonesia’s request for reassignment was endorsed during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly held in Geneva last month, reflecting the country’s vision of strengthening collaboration in health with the other 37 WHO Member States and areas in the Western Pacific. Indonesia’s geographical proximity and shared health challenges with other countries and areas − from North Asia through the South Pacific − were key factors in the decision.
The Republic of Indonesia's flag was raised for the first time at the Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila. Photo credit: WHO/Alan Esquillion
“Indonesia’s move is a powerful testament to its commitment to global solidarity and regional cooperation, at a time when unity and multilateralism are more vital than ever, for health and sustainable development.,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, as he hailed the move. “Indonesia brings with it a wealth of experience, innovation and opportunities. On behalf of all of us at WHO in the Western Pacific, I warmly welcome you and the people of Indonesia. We are honoured to walk this path together toward our shared vision of Health for All!”
“Over the past seven decades, Indonesia has played an active role in advancing regional health priorities as part of the WHO SEARO region.” H. E. Ambassador Agus Widjojo said during the ceremony. “Indonesia’s reassignment to the WPRO region would enable us to better align our public health priorities with our neighbours and fellow ASEAN Member States, creating more opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning. And we believe this reassignment will let us make an even greater impact on health priorities in our region and beyond.”
Indonesia’s health priorities include enhancing cross-border disease surveillance, tackling noncommunicable diseases and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, whose finish line is barely five years away. The transition also opens new opportunities for Indonesia to access regional health innovations and resources, while contributing its own expertise, including in pandemic preparedness and response under the wider umbrella of health security.
The ceremony also served to highlight the enduring partnership between WHO’s Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions, with Indonesia reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strong ties with the latter, ensuring continued collaboration across Asia and the Pacific.