Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono said around 600,000–650,000 cataract-related blindness cases were recorded in 2025, posing risks to national productivity, particularly among older adults.
Health Ministry data show 81.2 percent of blindness among people aged over 50 is primarily caused by cataracts.
“If untreated, cataracts lead not only to vision loss but also reduced social roles and productivity,” he said on Sunday.
Screening results from the 2025–2026 program found 2.95 million people with eye disorders among 23.35 million examined, underscoring the urgency of early detection.
He said cataract patients lose access to about 80 percent of visual information, significantly limiting daily functioning.
Beyond these measures, the ministry is partnering with the Noor Dubai Foundation and the Indonesian Ophthalmologist Association to provide free surgery for 500 patients from January to May 2026.
Surgeries will be conducted across several provinces, including Central Kalimantan (200 patients), West Nusa Tenggara (150), and East Nusa Tenggara (150).
UAE Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN Abdulla Salem Obaid AlDhaheri said the cooperation strengthens bilateral ties.
Related news: 10% of RI schoolkids facing vision problems: ministry
“Health services are fundamental to human dignity and sustainable development,” he said.
He added the initiative reflects the humanitarian legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding leader.
He also praised Indonesian ophthalmologists from Perdami for leading all procedures.
“International support that leverages national expertise is the most effective partnership model,” he said.
Kapuas District Head Muhamad Wiyanto welcomed the program, noting independent surgery can cost up to IDR 10 million (about US$579) per eye.
He said participation rose from about 150 patients last year to 200 this year, reflecting strong demand and trust.
He expressed hope the program would expand to more regions in the future.
Under the 2025–2030 Vision Health Roadmap, the government aims to provide surgery to at least 60 percent of cataract patients.
By 2025, national surgical capacity had reached 634,642 procedures, or 92 percent of the target.
Related news: RI, UAE provide free cataract surgery for 500 people in remote areas
Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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