From July 8 to 10, 2026, Indonesia held its first National Leprosy Conference in Jakarta. A wide range of stakeholders – including relevant government ministries, local governments, persons affected by leprosy, and NGOs – participated, and more than 400 people attended the high-level session on the final day. The conference demonstrated a commitment by society as a whole to work together to eliminate leprosy, and the governments of all 38 provinces expressed their commitment to achieving this goal.
To promote active case finding, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced the introduction of a system to recognize health centers that identify a large number of new cases and expressed his view that an increase in the number of new cases should be seen as evidence of successful early detection. In addition, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian emphasized the role of local governments, stating that the 38 provinces would move forward with issuing gubernatorial decrees, formulating action plans, and securing the necessary budgets and personnel.
Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, emphasized, “In Indonesia, a vast and decentralized country, it is essential that not only the central government but also provincial governments and local authorities take the initiative in this effort.” He also noted that it is important for diverse sectors – including not only healthcare but also education, religion, and the media – to collaborate in order to disseminate accurate information throughout society. In this context, he described the conference’s greatest achievement as bringing together a wide range of stakeholders in one place to demonstrate a shared commitment to the elimination of leprosy.
During the conference, the Goodwill Ambassador held separate discussions with delegations from 12 regencies and cities designated by the government as priority response areas. They discussed case-finding efforts and local challenges. The Goodwill Ambassador emphasized the importance of paying close attention to skin patches on children on a daily basis and ensuring they receive prompt medical attention if any abnormalities are detected.
On July 11, he visited the Jongaya Colony in Makassar, South Sulawesi, together with Minister of Health Budi. One man living in the colony spoke through tears about the reality that, despite having recovered from his illness, he could not return to his hometown because he was not accepted by his family or the local community. The Goodwill Ambassador was once again struck by the importance of creating a society where such people can return to their hometowns with peace of mind. Minister Budi promised that the man would be helped.
Members of PerMaTa South Sulawesi, a people’s organization of persons affected by leprosy, called for the establishment of an appropriate medical system to address leprosy-related reactions. Minister Budi instructed local health centers and hospitals to strengthen their diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
The National Conference marked an important milestone along the way to leprosy elimination. Going forward, it will be essential to translate the commitments made by the national and local governments into concrete action. The Goodwill Ambassador will continue to visit Indonesia, engaging in ongoing dialogue with the national and local governments as well as organizations of persons affected by leprosy, to monitor the implementation of the commitments made at the conference, support the elimination of leprosy, and contribute to the realization of a society free from discrimination.
