Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates visited the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday morning. He was welcomed by Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto. Gates arrived at 8:16 a.m. local time and joined a high-level meeting with some of Indonesia’s most powerful business figures and cabinet members.
The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation on key global issues like public health, nutrition, digital development, and financial access. The discussions included plans for future support from the Gates Foundation and explored how Indonesia could benefit from global partnerships.
Business Giants Join Presidential Meeting
President Prabowo introduced Bill Gates to many of Indonesia’s top entrepreneurs during the event. The list included:
- Chairul Tanjung, CEO of CT Corp
- Abdul Rasyid, owner of Citra Borneo Indah Group
- Garibaldi ‘Boy’ Thohir, head of PT Alamtri Resources Tbk
- Hashim Djojohadikusum, founder of Arsari Group
- Prajogo Pangestu, owner of Barito Pacific Group
Other top figures present were Arsjad Rasjid of Indika Energy, Tomy Winata of Artha Graha Group, James Riady of Lippo Group, and Anthony Salim of Salim Group. Billionaire Dato Sri Tahir from Mayapada Group and businessman Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad (also known as Haji Isam) of Jhonlin Group also joined the meeting.
Key Government Ministers Attend the Session
Several Indonesian cabinet members were also present to support the discussions. These included:
- Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of State Secretariat
- Sugiono, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health
- Rosan Roeslani, Minister of Investment and CEO of Danantara
- Teddy Indra Wijaya, Cabinet Secretary
- Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communications and Digital
The ministers focused on how global partnerships can help improve national programs and public services.
Main Topics: Health, Nutrition, and Digital Progress
Yusuf Permana, a senior official at the Presidential Secretariat, said the talks focused on long-term global goals. These included better health systems, improved nutrition for children, financial services for more people, and stronger digital tools.
One major topic was the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. This program is designed to give free healthy meals to school children across Indonesia. President Prabowo said Gates had offered to support the project. He had first requested a meeting with Gates back in November 2024.
Gates Backs Free Meal Program
During a cabinet briefing earlier this week, President Prabowo said that Gates wanted to show his support and appreciation for the MBG initiative. Though the exact form of support is still being discussed, the message was clear.
“This is an investment in our nation’s children,” said Prabowo. He emphasized that the program would continue even without outside help because it is key to Indonesia’s future.
The MBG program aligns with Gates Foundation efforts in global health and child development. Gates has often said that improving nutrition is one of the best ways to help reduce poverty and raise education levels.
Gates Visits Southeast Asia
Before arriving in Indonesia, the 69-year-old philanthropist was in Singapore. There, he joined the Philanthropy Asia Summit on May 5 and 6. He met with top government leaders and scientists from Breakthrough Energy, an organization he supports to fight climate change.
At the summit, Gates announced a new regional office for the Gates Foundation in Singapore. This will be the 12th office of the foundation and the first one in Southeast Asia.
“This office will help us work better with the local community and share knowledge faster,” Gates said during the summit.
Stronger Global Ties for Indonesia
Bill Gates’ visit highlights Indonesia’s growing role in global development. With support from business leaders and government, the country is working to improve health, education, and technology access for millions of people.
As the Gates Foundation expands its reach in Asia, new partnerships with countries like Indonesia could help speed up progress in important areas. The visit also shows how public and private sectors can work together for a better future.
