Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and China have agreed to deepen cooperation in digital health by establishing a joint laboratory focused on artificial intelligence in medicine, a move Jakarta says will accelerate health system reform and strengthen its domestic medical industry.

Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus said Tuesday that Indonesia’s Health Ministry, Xuzhou Medical University (XZMU) and the National Standardization Agency (BSN) had signed a tripartite memorandum of agreement to set up the Joint Laboratory for Digital Medicine and Proactive Health.

According to Octavianus, the initiative will support collaboration in treatment, research, standardization and the medical devices industry, with a strong emphasis on the safe and regulated use of digital technology.

“This collaboration provides a crucial foundation for developing a digital health system and deploying AI in medicine, aimed at improving the quality of public services,” he said.

The joint laboratory is expected to become a hub for applied research and innovation, helping Indonesia adapt emerging technologies to local needs while ensuring compliance with national standards.

During his visit to China, Octavianus said the Indonesian delegation reviewed the application of AI in primary healthcare services, including the use of digital tools to improve early diagnosis and patient management.

They also examined advances in molecular rapid test–based diagnostic tools for tuberculosis (TB), a disease Indonesia continues to battle as part of a national elimination program.

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Octavianus said Indonesia is pushing for technology transfer and the strengthening of its domestic medical devices industry, including plans to develop local production facilities for molecular rapid test kits.

“International cooperation must bring tangible benefits for our national capacity, not only access to technology but also the ability to produce and innovate independently,” he said.

He stressed that all overseas partnerships are guided by key principles, including technology transfer, enhancement of domestic capabilities and the protection of sensitive health data.

The deputy minister expressed hope that the joint laboratory would further reinforce bilateral ties between Indonesia and China, particularly in the health sector, while directly supporting national priorities such as TB elimination and improvements in primary healthcare services.

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