Assessing National Health Research System in a resource-limited setting: Insights from Indonesia

Area of Science:

• Health Policy and Systems Research
• Health Research Governance
• National Health Research Systems

Background:

• High-quality health research is crucial for evidence-based policymaking and strengthening health systems.
• Indonesia has initiated reforms in health research governance, but its National Health Research System (NHRS) requires further mapping.
• Understanding the NHRS status is vital for optimizing health research impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current status of Indonesia's National Health Research System (NHRS).
• To evaluate the NHRS across four key domains: governance, financing, resources, and research production/utilization.
• To identify challenges and areas for improvement within Indonesia's health research landscape.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative approach utilizing expert panel discussions and key informant interviews (n=13).
• Involved national and subnational stakeholders from government, research organizations, and universities.
• Data analysis employed the Framework Method, guided by the NHRS framework and WHO tools.

Main Results:

• Weak governance and poor national-subnational coordination are primary challenges, leading to a fragmented system.
• Research financing is priority-aligned but constrained by limited sustainable funding and unequal access.
• Resource development shows commitment (infrastructure, collaboration) but faces human capacity mismatches; research utilization pathways are limited.

Conclusions:

• Indonesia's NHRS has made progress but remains fragmented, particularly in governance and coordination.
• Addressing weak governance, centralisation, funding constraints, and resource-practice translation gaps is essential.
• An integrated national research agenda, clear roles, and improved coordination are recommended for system enhancement.