Indonesia launches AI Hackathon to tackle five major health challenges

  The Health Ministry has launched the Indonesia Healthcare AI Hackathon 2025 to promote the development of innovative, AI-based solutions aimed at strengthening the national health system and addressing five priority diseases.

Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono said here on Monday that artificial intelligence (AI) offers smart and scalable solutions to reduce healthcare disparities across Indonesia.

These disparities, he noted, stem from challenges such as a shortage of healthcare professionals, an aging population, the impacts of climate change, rising medical costs, and geopolitical instability.

Speaking to hackathon participants, Harbuwono emphasized that Indonesia’s vast geography—spanning more than 17,000 islands—makes it difficult to ensure equal healthcare access through traditional methods alone.

Technological innovations like AI, he said, must be leveraged to achieve equitable and efficient healthcare services.

According to him, AI enables smarter diagnostics and predictive insights that support medical professionals in clinical decision-making while expanding access to healthcare for all. As part of the government’s health transformation initiative, the ministry has already begun integrating AI into several programs.

For instance, clinical trials are underway for AI-powered chest X-rays to detect tuberculosis (TB), while AI-assisted scans are being used to identify stroke, cancer, and other diseases.

The ministry has also introduced a chatbot for diabetes risk assessment. In addition, AI-powered hospital call centers have reportedly reduced patient queues by 70 percent and improved customer satisfaction by 35 percent.

“AI has a monumental role to play because traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. However, our focus is not on replacement, but on empowerment,” Harbuwono stressed.

He also underlined the importance of collaboration in developing AI solutions that enhance human capacity and strengthen healthcare systems.

“Innovation cannot thrive in isolation. It flourishes through collaboration, and that very spirit of collaboration defines the purpose of the Indonesia Healthcare AI Hackathon 2025,” he remarked.

The hackathon targets five major health concerns in Indonesia: stroke, stunting, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and tuberculosis. While the ministry initially expected around 40 participants, the event drew interest from 278 participants across 10 countries—reflecting strong international enthusiasm, he said.

Solutions developed during the hackathon will be evaluated based on evidence-based medicine before integration into SATUSEHAT, Indonesia’s national health platform, he confirmed.

“Let us use this event to shape a future where AI serves humanity, empowers people, and strengthens health systems everywhere,” Harbuwono noted.