Indonesia has announced an ambitious healthcare target to introduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control programmes in 80 percent of hospitals across the country by 2029. The initiative is part of a broader national effort to address the growing threat of drug-resistant infections and improve the responsible use of antimicrobial medicines.

The announcement was made by Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono on November 11, 2026, as Indonesia strengthened its commitment to tackling one of the most serious challenges facing modern healthcare.

Understanding the Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, develop the ability to survive medicines that previously worked against them.

This makes infections increasingly difficult to treat and can reduce the effectiveness of medicines used in hospitals and communities.

The problem can develop through inappropriate medicine use, excessive antibiotic consumption and inadequate infection prevention practices.

According to figures highlighted by Indonesian health officials, antimicrobial resistance directly caused more than 1.14 million deaths worldwide in 2021 and was associated with approximately 4.71 million additional deaths.

Indonesia Strengthens Its National Healthcare Strategy

The Indonesian government has incorporated AMR prevention into its 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan and established a dedicated strategy for controlling antimicrobial resistance in the healthcare sector.

Under the initiative, the government has established two important targets:

• 80 percent of hospitals: Implement antimicrobial resistance control programmes by 2029.
• 60 percent of public hospitals: Follow established standards for empirical systemic antibiotic prescriptions.

These targets are intended to improve hospital practices, strengthen infection prevention and encourage more responsible prescribing decisions.

Hospitals to Improve Antibiotic Management

Healthcare facilities will play a central role in achieving the government’s objectives.

Indonesian health authorities are strengthening hospital accreditation requirements, including the mapping of microorganisms found in individual hospitals.

This information can help medical professionals understand local infection patterns and make more informed decisions when selecting antibiotics.

The government also wants healthcare providers to follow national clinical practice guidelines to reduce unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions.

Regional Cooperation to Fight Drug Resistance

Indonesia is also encouraging international cooperation to address antimicrobial resistance.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, organised with ReAct Asia Pacific on November 9 and 10, brought together approximately 90 delegates from 28 countries.

Participants discussed several priorities, including access to essential antibiotics, implementation of international commitments and the One Health approach.

One Health recognises that human health, animal health and environmental conditions are closely connected. Consequently, controlling antimicrobial resistance requires cooperation beyond hospitals and healthcare institutions.

Experts Call for Stronger Implementation

Despite growing international awareness, implementing AMR policies remains a major challenge.

ReAct Asia Pacific Director Dr. S.S. Lal highlighted the gap between policy commitments and practical action. He emphasised the importance of adequate funding, effective implementation and responsible antibiotic prescribing.

The recommendations developed during the regional conference will be compiled into a multi-stakeholder document to support future discussions and evaluation ahead of the 2029 United Nations meeting.

A Long-Term Step Towards Safer Healthcare

Indonesia’s 2029 targets represent an important effort to protect the effectiveness of existing medicines and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

Achieving these objectives will require consistent monitoring, trained medical professionals, stronger hospital policies and public awareness about responsible antibiotic use.

As drug-resistant infections continue to challenge healthcare systems worldwide, Indonesia’s initiative highlights the importance of taking preventive action before available treatment options become increasingly limited.