Jakarta. Indonesia is seeking to deepen cooperation with China in health technology, focusing on tuberculosis (TB) control, traditional medicine, biotechnology, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools in healthcare services.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the two countries share similar priorities, particularly in improving healthcare quality and strengthening disease prevention.

“To achieve these goals, Indonesia and China can learn from each other while advancing mutually beneficial cooperation,” Budi said in a statement on Sunday. He added that Indonesia could draw lessons from China’s success in reducing TB prevalence from moderate to low levels.

During a visit to Beijing on March 27, Budi met with China’s National Health Commission Minister Lei Haichao.

At the meeting, Budi expressed Indonesia’s intention to accelerate digital transformation in its healthcare system, particularly in the management of patient clinical data. He also highlighted Indonesia’s interest in leveraging China’s strengths in AI and advanced technologies, including the potential use of brain-to-computer interface (BCI) systems for stroke prevention and recovery, as well as other neurological conditions.

“AI will not replace doctors, but doctors who do not use AI will be left behind,” Budi said.

Indonesia and China have established a range of health-sector partnerships in recent years. During a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Jakarta on May 25, 2025, the two governments signed agreements covering traditional Chinese medicine and TB control.

Cooperation has extended beyond the government level, involving hospitals and healthcare workforce exchange programs between the two countries.