Heaptalk, Jakarta — To support the National Action Plan for Cervical Cancer Elimination, the Indonesian Health Economics Association (InaHEA), in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Women’s Cancer Coalition (APAC WCC), hosted a discussion forum titled “Reaffirming Commitment to Cervical Cancer Elimination: Synergizing Efforts and Resources for Sustainable Cervical Cancer Screening.”
Attended by stakeholders ranging from regulators and healthcare professionals to health sector leaders, the event served as a platform to share updates on the national cervical cancer elimination plan and discuss strategies and alternative financing models to achieve the 75% cervical cancer screening target for women aged 30–69 in Indonesia.
Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized that cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Indonesian women, with an estimated 36,000 new cases detected annually, 70% of which are diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to high mortality rates. The government has prioritized promotive and preventive measures to reduce incidence and deaths, including early detection and vaccination.
“The elimination strategy under the National Action Plan focuses on three key targets: 90% vaccination coverage for girls and boys aged 15, 70% HPV DNA screening for women aged 35, and 90% standardized treatment for women with pre-cancerous lesions or invasive cancer. If implemented nationwide, we believe cervical cancer rates will decline, saving countless lives,” Dante explained at the discussion forum hosted by InaHEA and APAC WCC.
Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, noted during a press conference in Jakarta (04/24) that cervical cancer is the only preventable and curable cancer, with higher recovery rates when detected early. “Combining vaccination and screening can protect all population groups. However, collaboration among stakeholders—ensuring access to resources and services—is critical to accelerating elimination. Our goal is to reach 75% screening coverage by 2030,” Siti stated.
At the discussion forum held by InaHEA, Siti also announced a 2025 pilot project in East Java, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Roche Indonesia, Biofarma, and Jhpiego. The project aims to screen 5,500 women in Surabaya and 1,300 in Sidoarjo. “Our approach adapts to regional characteristics to maximize screening uptake. This initiative will help prepare the health ecosystem to meet national targets,” said Maryjane Lacoste, Country Director of Jhpiego Indonesia.
Prof. Aryati, Chair of the Indonesian Society of Clinical Pathologists (PDS PatKLIn), highlighted the importance of reliable diagnostic testing in improving screening rates. “Diagnostics are vital to healthcare quality. Early intervention can extend survival by 20 years or more. Forums like this educate the public on qualified diagnostic testing and advanced sustainable screening programs for all Indonesian women,” Prof. Aryati concluded.
