Why Did Bill Gates Meet Prabowo? The Hidden Agenda Behind His Visit to Indonesia
Bill Gates meets Prabowo to discuss vaccines, nutrition, and Danantara Fund. Netizens question the real agenda. What’s truly behind the visit?
Strategic Collaboration on Health, Vaccines, and Nutrition Draws Public Attention
Bill Gates’ visit to Indonesia on May 7, 2025, sparked widespread public attention. Amid political shifts and a new presidential administration, the Microsoft co-founder met directly with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace. This meeting was far from ceremonial. Behind the warm greetings lay significant agendas on vaccines, nutrition programs, and global philanthropic funding.
Support for the Free Nutritious Meal Program
Gates expressed support for the government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, aimed at reaching 90 million children and pregnant women. With a national budget allocation of IDR 450 trillion through 2029, the program involves local cooperatives for food distribution. The Gates Foundation is expected to strengthen the program’s effectiveness through strategic and technical support.
TB Vaccine Trials and Micronutrient Launch
Equally significant, Indonesia will host clinical trials for a new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine developed by the Gates Foundation, which showed 50% efficacy in phase 2b trials. Gates also announced the upcoming launch of micronutrient supplements for pregnant women. Both initiatives aim to reduce mortality and stunting rates that remain high in Indonesia.
Collaboration Through the Danantara Trust Fund
On the financial front, Gates was invited to contribute to the Danantara Trust Fund targeted to grow to US$1 billion within five years—to support education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. While the goals are noble, the involvement of business tycoons like Chairul Tanjung and Garibaldi Thohir raised concerns among netizens about elite dominance in public welfare programs.
Public Reaction: Appreciation or Skepticism?
Despite the plan to grant Gates Indonesia’s highest civilian honor, public discourse remains divided. Accusations of “philanthropic lobbying” and fears of Indonesia once again becoming a testing ground for vaccines have resurfaced. Many are asking is this truly for the people, or a hidden agenda of global powers?
Bill Gates’ visit offers tremendous opportunities but also raises critical concerns. While it could significantly improve national health infrastructure, the government must ensure transparency, public oversight, and inclusive implementation to prevent the benefits from being monopolized by global elites.
