Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has shared key insights from his recent trip to Indonesia, where he engaged in discussions with top government officials on healthcare, education, and economic growth.
During his visit from February 3rd to 4th, Obi met with Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, to understand the country’s advancements in universal health coverage. Indonesia’s National Health Insurance Program (JKN) covers about 98% of the population, ensuring accessible healthcare for all, especially the vulnerable. Minister Sadikin highlighted the emphasis on preventive care and government-subsidized premiums for low-income citizens, alongside the expansion of primary health workers into rural areas.
Obi also engaged with Prof. Dr. Nunuk Survani at the Ministry of Education, where discussions centered on Indonesia’s robust education system. The country enforces a strict compulsory education policy, achieving a 99% school enrollment rate. With 20% of its annual budget allocated to education, Indonesia has over 4,000 universities—while Nigeria, despite having 80% of Indonesia’s population, has less than 10% of that figure. Obi emphasized the need for Nigeria to expand its higher education sector, given the direct link between education and national development.
In his final session, Obi met with officials at Indonesia’s Ministry of MSMEs, where he observed the country’s structured support for small businesses. MSMEs contribute 61% to Indonesia’s GDP and employ 97% of its workforce, benefiting from dedicated financial support, mentorship, and training programs. With $20 billion in bank loans directed at MSMEs at interest rates of 3%-6%, Indonesia’s model starkly contrasts with Nigeria, where total loans available to over 40 million SMEs remain insufficient.
Reflecting on his visit, Obi highlighted Indonesia’s strategic focus on healthcare, education, and economic empowerment as a model for developing nations, emphasizing that Nigeria must adopt similar policies to drive sustainable growth.
