Indonesia is no longer part of Southeast Asia-at least according to the updated map of the World Health Organization (WHO). As of May 2025, Indonesia officially transitioned from the Southeast Asia Regional Office (SEARO) to the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO).
While this might sound overly technical to some, the move carries significant strategic implications.
What does this mean? Why the change? And does it suggest Indonesia is moving further away from Southeast Asia?
What Is a WHO Region and Why Does It Matter?
WHO divides the world into six working regions: Africa, the Americas, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia (SEARO), and Western Pacific (WPRO). Each region has its own office responsible for guiding strategy, coordination, and public health policy among member states.
Until recently, Indonesia was grouped under SEARO alongside countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka-primarily South Asian nations. But starting from May 23, 2025, Indonesia joined WPRO, which includes countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
This is not just a technical reshuffling. A country’s regional placement within WHO affects whom it collaborates with, where it shares data, and how it receives support for national health policies.
Why Did Indonesia Choose to Move to WPRO?
This wasn’t a sudden decision. Over the past few years, Indonesia has observed that the public health challenges faced-particularly in eastern regions like Papua and Maluku-align more closely with those in Pacific nations. Geographically, Indonesia also shares borders with several WPRO countries including Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Australia.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaboration with WPRO countries proved to be more relevant and effective in many areas. This move is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen regional collaboration and elevate Indonesia’s role in global health diplomacy.
What Does This Mean for Indonesia and Southeast Asia?
First, this doesn't mean Indonesia is leaving ASEAN or distancing itself from regional neighbors. On the contrary, Indonesia remains actively involved in the ASEAN Health Cluster and cross-border cooperation.
However, joining WPRO opens up new opportunities:
- Access to broader research and health innovation networks
- Technical support from developed countries like Japan, Korea, and Australia
- Closer collaboration with Pacific nations facing similar geographic and health challenges
Indonesia has the potential to become a strategic bridge between Southeast Asia and the Pacific, playing a bigger role in building a more inclusive and resilient global health system.
Final Thoughts: A Shift, Not a Farewell
If you're surprised to hear that Indonesia is 'no longer Southeast Asia' in WHO terms, you're not alone. But this change highlights how global partnerships are constantly evolving.
Indonesia is stepping up on the world stage-not with loud declarations, but through smart strategy and collaboration. Switching WHO regions doesn’t mark the end of our Southeast Asian identity. It’s the beginning of Indonesia’s new role between two worlds: ASEAN and the Pacific.
