Clinical trials are a vital milestone in the advancement of human health. They are not merely technical medical processes, but a reflection of a nation’s commitment to providing better, safer, and more precise treatment. Through clinical trials, the benefits and safety of pharmaceutical and therapeutic innovations can be proven before they are widely administered to the public.
Why Are Clinical Trials Important?
In developed countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan, thousands of clinical trials are conducted annually. The result is new treatments that save millions of lives and extend life expectancy.
In Indonesia, awareness of the importance of clinical trials is growing. However, unfortunately, many government and scientific initiatives are still met with suspicion, cynicism, and even slander—as if progress is something to be feared.
Data We Must Reflect On:
Let’s look at the facts:
Life Expectancy: Indonesia’s average life expectancy is 73.5 years (BPS 2023), lagging behind Singapore (83.9 years), Malaysia (76.2 years), and China (78.2 years).
Stunting Rate: 21.5% of Indonesian children under five still suffer from stunting due to chronic malnutrition (SSGI 2023). President Jokowi’s target is to reduce this to 14% by 2024, but this requires major science-based interventions.
Cancer: Cancer prevalence in Indonesia is 2 per 1,000 people, with high mortality rates due to late detection and limited access to cutting-edge therapies.
Medical Research: According to ClinicalTrials.gov, in 2023, only around 500 clinical trials involved Indonesian institutions—compared to over 30,000 in the U.S. and 3,000 in South Korea.
We are not lacking great doctors, scientists, or researchers. What we need is space, support, and trust. Clinical trials are not a threat—they are an opportunity to catch up and improve national health.
Why Is There Still Resistance?
Unfortunately, many still view clinical trials with suspicion. Some even exploit public ignorance to spread hoaxes—as if all clinical trials are dangerous experiments or solely benefit corporations.
In truth, all clinical trials in Indonesia must go through strict ethical review by the National Health Research Ethics Commission and are monitored by the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) and the Ministry of Health.
Instead, we should worry about a scenario where there are no clinical trials—where people become victims of untested treatments, non-standard herbal products, or alternative therapies lacking scientific proof.
The Future Is in Our Hands
It’s time for us to unite in the understanding that education and health are the foundations of development. Life expectancy, workforce productivity, and national competitiveness all depend on the health of our people. Developed nations did not reach their level of welfare without serious investment in science and medical research.
The government—through the Ministry of Health, universities, and hospitals—has started to open clinical trial pathways for various innovations, including vaccines, immunotherapies, cancer treatments, and new diagnostic tools, such as the affordable colorectal cancer test developed by local startup PathGen.
But public support remains crucial. Let’s not let our scientists be obstructed by narrow-minded sentiment, hoaxes, or unfounded fears. If someone has a better solution or technology—let’s test it openly and scientifically. But never let us hinder progress simply because we don’t understand the process.
Closing: A Nation That Believes in Science
Clinical trials are proof that this nation wants to move forward. They are a bridge between research and public service. They are not just about medicine—but about dignity. A great nation is one that believes in knowledge, not fear.
Let us not allow this golden opportunity to be clouded by anti-intellectual narratives. Clinical trials are the long road to a healthier, stronger, and more dignified nation.
Writen by Rizka Andalucia