The case against Indonesia’s bid for WHO leadership
National pride cannot replace scrutiny: Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin’s domestic track record on judicial overreach, data governance and fractured medical trust makes him the wrong choice to lead the WHO.
Indonesia's nomination of Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin for WHO director general sparked controversy. While national pride was evident, an opposing coalition argued that rigorous scrutiny was necessary. Over 22 civil society groups joined the petition signed by the Coalition for Health Justice. The argument was not baseless, as Minister Budi's domestic record raises significant concerns.
Physicians who criticized the ministry faced abrupt removals, such as neurosurgeon Zainal Muttaqin and pediatrician Piprim Basarah Yanuarso. The Supreme Court ruled that Piprim's transfer and dismissal were unlawful in September. The 2023 Health Law subordinated medical collegia under ministerial authority, which was declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court.
The Supreme Court then struck down 70 provisions in three ministerial decrees, including unilateral appointment powers over key bodies. Despite these rulings, Minister Budi has yet to implement them.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post Academia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
