The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, expressed his intention to honor global philanthropist and founder of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates. Prabowo made this statement at the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The event was also attended by prominent Indonesian philanthropists and members of the Red and White Cabinet.

“Earlier, I announced my decision as the President of Indonesia due to his support and contributions to our country. But it's not just for Indonesia—his efforts benefit all of humanity. I will convene a meeting of the Council of Honorary Decorations,” Prabowo stated.

He further explained that the award would be the highest state decoration Indonesia can give to a foreign national in recognition of their services to the Indonesian people and the world community.

According to Prabowo, this honor will be officially presented during the United Nations General Assembly session scheduled to be held in New York, United States, in September 2025.

In the same forum, Prabowo revealed that the Gates Foundation provides approximately US$ 9 billion in aid every year. Specifically for Indonesia, the president mentioned that Bill Gates has donated over US$ 100 million since 2009.

“In my conversation with him, he told me that Indonesia has received grants totaling US$ 159 million. Of that amount, US$ 119 million went to the health sector, US$ 5 million to agriculture, US$ 5 million to technology, and over US$ 28 million to other cross-sectoral social programs,” said Prabowo.

He also noted that the Gates Foundation has played a vital role in strategic health sectors, particularly in supporting vaccination programs in collaboration with PT Bio Farma (Persero).

“He helped with polio vaccine support worth Rp1.3 trillion. Currently, Bio Farma is one of the world’s largest vaccine producers, with an annual output of two billion doses used in about 40 countries, reaching approximately 902 million people,” Prabowo elaborated.

In addition, Prabowo mentioned that the Gates Foundation is developing a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine for global use, with Indonesia serving as one of the trial locations.

“We know that TB claims a significant number of lives in Indonesia—almost 100,000 deaths each year. We are determined to reduce that number, and he has shown his commitment to continue supporting us in this area,” said Prabowo.

Furthermore, the President stated that the Gates Foundation is also in the process of developing a malaria vaccine, aiming to combat the disease in affected regions worldwide.