Strengthening primary health care in Indonesia requires a workforce that can respond to future health challenges, such as a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, an ageing population, persistent maternal and newborn health challenges, and rapid technological change. As Indonesia faces these challenges, nurses and midwives are taking on an increasingly important role in delivering quality care closer to communities.
To help prepare this workforce for the future, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development at Poltekkes Kemenkes Indonesia convened an international webinar in June 2026. The event brought together WHO experts, Ministry of Health representatives, academic institutions and health professionals to explore how nursing and midwifery education, leadership and research can better respond to evolving health needs.
Discussions focused on a common challenge shared by many countries: ensuring that nurses and midwives have the skills, authority and leadership opportunities needed to meet future demands. Speakers highlighted global and regional strategies to strengthen workforce development, while institutions from Indonesia and the wider region shared practical experiences in leadership training, research, clinical education and international collaboration. Through initiatives such as the Midwifery Leadership Programme (MLP) and the Nursing Clinical Instructor (NCI), institutions can share expertise, strengthen research and accelerate the use of evidence in education and policy.
Dr Anna Kurniati, who was Head of the WHO Collaborating Centre at Poltekkes Kemenkes Indonesia at the time of the webinar, emphasized the opportunity for continued collaboration. “We should not stop with today’s webinar. We also need to create a stronger enabling environment, particularly for young researchers. Across the Poltekkes network, we have more than 5000 lecturers and 509 study programmes. They are important partners for expanding collaboration and further strengthening nursing and midwifery education and development.”
Meanwhile, Dr Amelia Latu Afuhaamango, Chief Nursing Officer at WHO headquarters, highlighted the importance of leadership and education. “The global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery 2021–2030 call on us to invest in leadership and education to prepare future-ready nurses and midwives who can lead with confidence, courage and compassion. Investment matters, investment transforms and investment saves lives,” she said.
By fostering knowledge exchange and partnerships among participants, the webinar supports Indonesia's efforts to strengthen primary health care and ensure that nurses and midwives are equipped to meet the country's evolving health needs.
Building on the webinar, the WHO Collaborating Centre at Poltekkes Kemenkes Indonesia will expand the Nursing Clinical Instructor and Midwifery Leadership Programme through training of trainers, pilot implementation and development of learning resources that can be adapted and scaled across health training institutions. It will also strengthen research collaboration with other WHO Collaborating Centres and universities through joint studies, knowledge exchange and dissemination of findings. Evidence generated through these collaborations will be translated into training curricula, policy recommendations and practical approaches to strengthen nursing and midwifery education and practice.
Working closely with partners, WHO will continue to provide technical support and facilitate links with global networks. WHO will also support the adaptation and dissemination of relevant evidence and best practices in Indonesia and the region.
Written by Zakiyah Eke, National Professional Officer (Health Workforce), and Luthfiani Syafa, HLMA and Nurse-Midwifery Consultant, WHO Indonesia