Public Lecture at NCKU, Taiwan “Transforming Indonesia’s Nursing Workforce: Insights from Poltekkes WHO Collaborating Centre”

Global nursing education and workforce planning are facing rapid changes, requiring stronger academic collaboration and evidence-based strategies. Taiwan and Indonesia are collaborating to address that challenges and provide a future-ready health workforce.

As health systems adapt to demographic shifts, technological advancements, and increasing service demands, the need for competent and well-distributed healthcare has become more urgent. As Poltekkes WHO Collaborating Centre, its become our mandatory to strengthening academic networks and knowledge exchange as the essential key to address these issues.

On 7 November 2025, Ibu Anna Kurniati as Director of Health Workforce Provision and Head of Poltekkes WHO CC Indonesia, was invited to deliver a public lecture at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Taiwan. Ibu Anna delivered a comprehensive session titled “Transforming Indonesia’s Nursing Workforce: Insights from Poltekkes WHO Collaborating Centre”. She presented global nursing workforce challenges, emerging trends, and strategic approaches to meeting future needs. 

Ibu Anna also introduced the role of WHO Collaborating Centres, with a particular focus on Poltekkes WHO CC for Nursing and Midwifery in Indonesia. She shared ongoing initiatives, contributions to regional policy dialogues, and the Centre’s support for nursing and midwifery development across the Western Pacific Region. Her participation provided valuable visibility for Indonesia’s leadership in health workforce innovation and expanded academic networks between Indonesia and Taiwan.

“Step out of your comfort zone, growth happens there. Major achievements always begin with small steps. Appreciate the process, and be grateful for every accomplishment, no matter how small” – Dr. Anna Kurniati, Director of Health Workforce Provision, Ministry of Health Indonesia.

This commitment gained further momentum as Ibu Anna Kurniati received the prestigious NCKU Distinguished Award from the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) College of Medicine in Taiwan. This honor granted for her substantial contributions to health workforce policy, education system and governance in Indonesia. She is the only Indonesian recipient of this award.

“Professionally, this recognition also belongs to the Ministry of Health, which has given me enormous opportunities to grow, maximize my potential, and demonstrate my commitment to advancing Indonesia’s health workforce. It has allowed me to expand global networks and contribute real value to strengthening our national health system” – Dr. Anna Kurniati, Director of Health Workforce Provision, Ministry of Health Indonesia.

This engagement strengthens Indonesia’s position as a key contributor to global health workforce development and also enhance the competence of nurses who serve and improve the health of communities across the country. The public lecture marks the beginning of deeper academic cooperation between Poltekkes WHO CC Indonesia and NCKU. Continued Collaboration in nursing workforce development is eagerly anticipated, as it will further strengthen institutional partnerships and regional impact.

( Az Zahra Nur Ainiyyah and Luthfiani Syafa, Poltekkes WHO Collaborating Center)