The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia and the CRUK Scotland Institute have officially entered into a landmark partnership to advance cancer research, build capacity in cancer care, and support evidence-based health policies through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Dr Susanti Susanti, an Indonesian researcher based at the CRUK Scotland Institute and herself a bowel cancer survivor, has been instrumental in bringing colleagues from both Scotland and Indonesia together to drive forward this collaboration, which comes at a crucial time.

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In Indonesia, cancer is one of the top non-communicable diseases contributing to morbidity and mortality, with breast, cervical, and lung cancers among the most prevalent.

The increasing burden of cancer in Indonesia underscores the urgent need for research-driven strategies and innovative interventions.

Globally, significant progress has been made in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship through investments in research, technology, and cross-sector collaboration.

In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health has launched a range of efforts, including strengthening early detection programs, expanding access to treatment, and developing national cancer control plans.

As part of its ongoing commitment to combat cancer, Indonesia is establishing international research collaborations with leading institutions.

The partnership with the CRUK Scotland Institute reflects this strategy, aiming to enhance research capacity and bring global expertise to the local context.

The MoU outlines key areas of cooperation, including:

• Joint research initiatives and funding mechanisms to advance cancer technologies, services, and policies;
• Integration of cancer research outcomes into clinical pathways;
• Exchange programs for researchers and health personnel;
• Knowledge sharing on best practices for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment;
• Training and education programs through fellowships, master’s and PhD studentships;
• Joint scientific events such as conferences and workshops;
• Development of research-based policy frameworks and clinical guidelines;
• Additional collaborative programs as mutually agreed by both parties.

The MoU was signed in Glasgow by Professor Owen Sansom, Director of the CRUK Scotland Institute, and subsequently signed in Jakarta by Dr. Azhar Jaya, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Jakarta signing took place during the UK–Indonesia Medical Genomics Summit 2025 held on 2 May 2025 at RSK Dharmais, an event organised by Dr Susanti and her team at PathGen Diagnostik Teknologi in Indonesia to share knowledge and expertise, and facilitated by the British Embassy team in Jakarta.

The summit was inaugurated with opening remarks by Dr. Desra Percaya, Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the IMO, followed by a keynote speech by Minister of Health of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

The event also featured the participation of high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Health, including Lucia Rizka Andalusia (Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices) and other national and international experts in genomics and cancer research.

In addition, Ali Ghufron Mukti, President Director of BPJS Kesehatan, also attended, highlighting the importance of integrating genomic innovation with Indonesia’s national health insurance system.

The event gathered national and international experts across academia, healthcare, and research institutions, discussing key topics in cancer genomics, policy and regulation, technology application, and collaborative opportunities.

Dr Susanti Susanti, CEO and Founder of PathGen Diagnostik Teknologi in Indonesia and Postdoctoral Researcher at the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, said:

“As a cancer survivor, I know the challenge of combating cancer is immense but am hopefully that through this collaboration we can make a difference for patients in both Indonesia and the UK.”

This partnership marks a new chapter in Indonesia’s cancer control agenda and exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges.

Source: Cancer Research