The domestic medical device industry still faces classic challenges, namely high dependence on imports of raw materials and finished products. The solution to overcome this problem is to strengthen the domestic industry and enhance cross-sector collaboration.
Secretary General of the Indonesian Medical Equipment Manufacturers Association (Aspaki) Erwin Hermanto said that the main cause of high imports of medical equipment raw materials in Indonesia is the underdevelopment of the upstream industry for raw material production. In addition, there is also a growing mindset that imported products are better, even though domestic production already exists.
Currently, the national medical device industry must compete with imported products, even though the quality of local products continues to improve.
"The complexity of medical device raw materials in Indonesia varies. Each industry has different needs and types. Some need type A steel, while others need type B steel," he said when met at the Health Innovation Festival (HAI-Fest) 2025 at Balai Kartini, Jakarta (8/12/2025).
If the issue of importing raw materials and finished products continues to be ignored, it will threaten the resilience of Indonesia's health sector. Therefore, a solution is needed. That is, strengthening the domestic industry.
Strengthening the domestic industry can be achieved through a multi-sectoral strategy, namely providing incentives and regulatory facilities, increasing research and innovation and technology adoption, strengthening the industrial ecosystem, and giving preference to government procurement through policies such as TKDN, fiscal incentives, and technical assistance in technology transfer support.
Promoting independence
Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono, who was also present at the HAI-FEST 2025 event, said that the government always encourages independence in the health sector by strengthening the local pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries.
The strengthening of the local pharmaceutical and medical device industry is carried out by the government limiting imports of products that can be produced domestically (import substitution), providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and accelerating distribution permits for products that use local raw materials.
"Promoting research and innovation through activities such as HAI FEST can provide an overview of the independence of the health sector," he said.
The Ministry of Health is once again presenting HAI Fest 2025 (Health Innovation Festival) as part of the 61st National Health Day celebrations.
Deputy Minister of Health Dante said that HAI Fest will be held on December 7-9, 2025 at Kartika Expo, Balai Kartini-Jakarta. HAI Fest aims to provide health information and raise awareness of the importance of early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through various talk shows, exhibitions, and free health checks (eyes, bones, blood sugar, etc.).
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Providing free healthcare services and public service consultations, as well as utilizing health applications such as SATUSEHAT Mobile.
In addition, HAI-FEST also introduces the latest innovations in the health sector, recognizes the achievements of the nation's youth, and encourages synergy between academia, industry, and government.
"Realizing national health independence and resilience through innovation based on natural resources and technology is also part of HAI-FEST," he said.
HAI-FEST also serves as a platform for medical personnel, industry, government, and the public to come together and advance health in Indonesia.
Previously, at Roundtable Decision event Roundtable Decision Suar.id Roundtable Decision Tuesday (2/12/2025), Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that total annual health spending reaches Rp 560 trillion - Rp 580 trillion. This is an opportunity for the national medical equipment industry.
Meditech products are in demand overseas
One of the medical device companies participating in HAI-FEST 2025 is PT Meditech Manufaktur Indonesia, a manufacturer of masks, medical head covers, and surgical gowns. Founded in 2016, the company has modern production facilities that comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in Karawang, West Java.
Product Manager of PT MediTech Manufaktur Arin Susilowati said that Meditech products are in demand overseas and the company already has experience exporting to China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.
"Masks and medical head coverings are Meditech's best-selling products in foreign markets," he told SUAR Jakarta on Monday (12/8/2025).
Businesses hope that the government will encourage the advancement of domestic medical devices by supporting the independence of domestic medical devices, including incentives for local production, global promotion, and regulatory ease so that they can compete with imports, as well as support for research and innovation to meet national and export needs, making Indonesia strong in terms of national health security.
Arin also hopes that the government can encourage research and development (R&D) to create innovative, high-quality medical devices that meet international standards.
