Makassar, September 2024 – The Australia Indonesia Health Security Partnership (AIHSP) held its inter-provincial knowledge exchange event, "One Health in Action: Forum Pertukaran Praktik Baik," with a strong emphasis on transferring knowledge across sectors and provinces. Held on 12 September 2024, the forum was not just a celebration of achievements but a forward looking dialogue aimed at reinforcing and expanding the best practices developed over the past four years.

The forum was a testament to the collaborative spirit that has defined the AIHSP programme. Designed to share knowledge among the five pilot provinces—South Sulawesi, Bali, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT)—the event highlighted the significant progress made in health security through the One Health approach. This strategy integrates human, animal, and environmental health to bolster Indonesia's overall health system security. Each province presented innovative solutions that bridged health, agriculture, and social sectors in combating zoonotic diseases like rabies, anthrax, and leptospirosis.

Participants included key national figures such as Planning Specialist from the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, Noor Avianto, SP, M Agr; Coordinator of Health Resources, Bappenas, Endang Sulastri; Zoonosis Team, Ministry of Health, Tulus Riyanto; Director Veterinary Public Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Drh. Nuryani Zainuddin, Msi; and First Secretary, Health Unit, Australian Embassy, Madeleine Scott. Their presence and remarks underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing health security.

Director of Health and Community Nutrition at Bappenas, Dr. Ir. H. Diah Lenggogeni, ST, MSc., delivered opening remarks via a video message. She reflected on AIHSP's journey, stating, “Since its launch in 2020, AIHSP has catalysed health security in line with Indonesia's national development plan. It has not only strengthened multi-sector emergency response coordination at national and local levels but also successfully supported the response to crises like COVID-19.”

Highlights included Bali's Tim Siaga Rabies (TISIRA) program, now implemented in over 403 villages, while Yogyakarta’s Pelapor Kalurahan (PELKA) community-based surveillance model continues to improve early zoonotic disease detection and response. Collaboration between regions, such as the cross-border animal health cooperation between Department of Agriculture and Food Security of Central Java and Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of Yogyakarta, and between Government NTT and Timor Leste on rabies control, further demonstrated the program’s key area.

Speaking on AIHSP’s impact, Endang Sulastri remarked, "The multi-sectoral approach introduced by AIHSP will continue to strengthen local governance and inter-sector coordination. With these foundations in place, Indonesia’s health security will only grow stronger.”

Tulus Riyanto added, “The One Health approach has strengthened early detection and response capacities at both local and national levels. Its principles must be embedded in future policies to maintain health security.”

As the program approaches its formal conclusion in January 2025, Madeleine Moss, Minister Counsellor, Governance and Human Development at the Australian Embassy, expressed her optimism: "I'm delighted we can celebrate the deep partnership between Australia and Indonesia in transforming health. This year marks the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, and Australia remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s health sector in alignment with national priorities. AIHSP’s legacy will serve as a learning platform for strengthening health security in the years to come."

The event concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to sustaining AIHSP’s achievements through local government resources and initiatives, ensuring that its legacy continues to benefit health security across Indonesia.