Bill Gates, philanthropist and founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been awarded Indonesia’s Main Service Medal (Bintang Jasa Utama) by President Prabowo Subianto.
The presentation took place in the Landmark Room, 29th Floor, Millennium Hilton Hotel New York One UN Plaza, United States, on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, following the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
The award was given in recognition of Gates’s extensive contributions to humanitarian and development programmes in Indonesia, particularly in the health and education sectors. President Prabowo emphasised that Gates’s work has brought direct benefits to the welfare of the Indonesian people.
“Research assistance, seeking the best seeds, medicines, and vaccines,” Prabowo said in an official statement, highlighting Gates’s role in supporting scientific and health-related initiatives in the country.
According to Prabowo, Gates’s contribution to Indonesia is not limited to health. He described him as a figure “dedicated to fields and activities that are highly beneficial to the safety, welfare, and prosperity of the nation and state.”
Prabowo also confirmed that the total value of assistance provided by Gates to Indonesia, as reported by the Ministry of Health, is estimated at between IDR 7 trillion and IDR 8 trillion.
“The Minister of Health said the direct value of the assistance is probably around IDR 7 trillion, IDR 7 trillion to IDR 8 trillion. But the broader impact is approximately 45 billion US dollars,” Prabowo explained.
Collaboration on Health, Poverty, and Education
The Indonesian government continues to work with the Gates Foundation through the Investment Management Agency, PT Daya Anagata Nusantara (BPI Danantara), on various humanitarian projects.
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These projects target the most vulnerable groups, focusing on alleviating poverty, addressing hunger, and improving access to education.
“The relationship with Bill Gates is very positive. He cares deeply about Indonesia, and his assistance is extraordinary,” Prabowo stated.
In his remarks, Prabowo reiterated the government’s commitment to collaboration on long-term development issues. “Projects to help the most vulnerable groups, help overcome poverty and hunger, and also education, especially education. Education is the key to our future,” he said.
Bill Gates, whose full name is William Henry Gates III, has long been known for his philanthropic work in global health, agriculture, and education.
The awarding of the Main Service Medal, regulated under Law Number 20 of 2009 concerning Titles, Medals, and Honours, reflects Indonesia’s recognition of his contributions.
Under the law, the Bintang Jasa (Service Star) consists of three levels: Bintang Jasa Utama (Main Service Star), Bintang Jasa Pratama (First Class Service Star), and Bintang Jasa Nararya (Nararya Service Star).
Article 28 of Law 20/2009 outlines that the medal is awarded for outstanding service in areas that contribute to the safety, welfare, or prestige of the nation, or for devotion in fields such as science, technology, and social development.
By awarding Bill Gates the Main Service Medal, Indonesia formally acknowledges the scale and impact of his philanthropic contributions, which span health research, vaccine development, agricultural innovation, and poverty alleviation.
