The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and Brawijaya Women and Children Hospital signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in an effort to improve women's health in Indonesia, especially in reducing the risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer.

The MoU was signed by Kadin Indonesia Deputy Chairperson for Health, Charles Honoris, and President Director of RSIA Brawijaya Hospital, Dr Uf Bagazi, Sp. OG, who was also witnessed by Deputy Chairperson for Human Resources Quality Improvement, Research and Technology, and Innovation, Carmelita Hartoto, at Kadin Lounge, Menara Kadin Indonesia, Jakarta (3/7/2024). The signing took place on the sidelines of a panel discussion themed ‘Prevention and Early Detection of Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer, as well as Women's Reproductive Health’.

This strategic collaboration confirms Kadin Indonesia's commitment to improving health resilience, which is one of the main pillars in the 2045 Golden Indonesia Roadmap.

Carmelita Hartoto emphasised that women play an important role in the Indonesian economy. Indonesian women have become significant agents of change, creating jobs and contributing to the national gross domestic product (GDP). Ministry of Finance data in 2021 noted that 54% of MSME owners are women, with 97% of their employees also women.

"Maintaining women's health is an important step to encourage the achievement of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. We hope that this signing will become a momentum to create initiatives that can prevent and reduce cases of breast cancer and cervical cancer in Indonesia,’ said Carmelita.

Vice Chairman of Kadin Indonesia for Health, Charles Honoris in his presentation explained that breast cancer and cervical cancer are the two most common types of cancer affecting women. According to a report from Globocan in 2022, the number of breast cancer cases in Indonesia reached 66,271 cases (30.1%), while cervical cancer reached 36,676 cases (9.0%).

According to Charles, the high number shows the importance of prevention and early detection as soon as possible. Breast cancer is often detected late due to lack of awareness and knowledge, while cervical cancer, caused by HPV infection, can be prevented by vaccination and early detection through pap smears.

"Raising women's awareness about regular screening and educating them on the early signs of cancer is crucial.
This is the focus of our collaboration. With Kadin Indonesia's network and Brawijaya Women and Children Hospital's expertise, we hope this collaboration will have a positive impact on women's health in Indonesia,’ said Charles.

President Director of RSIA Brawijaya Hospital, Dr Uf Bagazi, Sp. OG, explained that cultural and social factors in Indonesia are one of the main challenges in cancer prevention and early detection efforts.
Many women still feel taboo talking about reproductive health issues and are reluctant to have regular check-ups.

Another challenge is limited access to adequate health facilities.Lack of information and education on cancer prevention and early detection exacerbates this situation, especially for career women who often do not have enough time for regular check-ups.

"Through this activity, we would like to encourage Indonesian women not to be taboo in talking about reproductive health issues and conducting routine check-ups.Early detection allows faster treatment and increases the chances of cure, so they can have a better quality of life and be more productive,’ concluded Dr Uf Bagazi.