Indonesia is taking a decisive step toward healthcare self-sufficiency by developing its first blood plasma factory, a move aimed at ending long-standing import dependence. After decades of relying entirely on overseas supplies, Indonesia is moving to localize the production of plasma-derived medicines that are critical for emergency and surgical care. Through the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), the government has partnered with South Korea’s SK Plasma to establish the nation’s first blood plasma fractionation facility, a project that is also projected to become the largest in Southeast Asia.
The initiative marks a strategic shift in Indonesia’s healthcare industry. Rather than functioning solely as a consumer market, the country aims to position itself as a regional producer of high-value medical products. Officials see the project as essential for strengthening supply security while reducing long-term import risks.
Blood Plasma Factory Marks End of Import Dependence
For years, Indonesia depended entirely on imported plasma-derived products to meet domestic medical needs. According to INA, imported supplies covered 100 percent of national demand, leaving the healthcare system vulnerable to global supply disruptions. The new blood plasma factory directly addresses this issue by enabling domestic processing for the first time.
INA Vice President for ESG, Fetriza Rinalddy, emphasized the significance of the project during a Kompas.com discussion. “We are collaborating with SK Plasma from South Korea to build Indonesia’s first blood plasma fractionation plant. Until now, we have imported 100 percent of our plasma needs. This facility will be the largest in Southeast Asia,” he said.
By establishing local production, Indonesia expects to improve supply stability for essential medicines while supporting broader healthcare resilience.
Plasma Fractionation Plant to Become ASEAN’s Largest
The plasma fractionation plant will operate from Karawang International Industrial City, a major industrial hub with access to logistics and infrastructure. Project developers plan to begin commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2026. Once operational, the facility will process up to 600,000 liters of plasma annually.
This scale positions the project as the largest plasma fractionation facility in ASEAN. As a result, Indonesia gains not only domestic capacity but also regional significance in plasma processing. The plant will produce plasma-derived medicinal products such as albumin and immunoglobulin, which are widely used in emergency treatment, intensive care, and complex surgical procedures.
INA and SK Plasma Form Strategic Joint Venture
To deliver the project, INA and SK Plasma formed a joint venture named PT SKPlasma Core Indonesia. The partnership was officially announced on November 14, 2024, following the signing of an investment agreement between both parties. Through this structure, INA becomes the second-largest shareholder in the company.
The agreement represents the first successful investment by INA into a South Korean healthcare company. Observers view the deal as recognition of SK Plasma’s operational expertise and advanced technology in managing plasma-derived medicinal product facilities. At the same time, the partnership reflects Indonesia’s commitment to building long-term healthcare manufacturing capabilities rather than short-term supply solutions.
Boosting Supply of Plasma-Derived Medicines
Plasma-derived medicines play a vital role in modern healthcare. Products such as albumin support emergency care by stabilizing blood volume, while immunoglobulins help treat immune deficiencies and autoimmune conditions. Previously, Indonesia relied entirely on imports to access these therapies.
The new facility aims to secure a consistent domestic supply of these medicines. Once completed, local production will reduce exposure to global market fluctuations and logistical delays. Policymakers also expect the factory to lower long-term procurement costs while improving access for hospitals and patients nationwide.
Technology Transfer and Workforce Development
During the construction phase, SK Plasma will implement a contract manufacturing arrangement to maintain supply continuity. Under this scheme, Indonesia will send plasma collected from Indonesian donors to SK Plasma’s facility in Andong, South Korea. SK Plasma will then return finished products, such as albumin, to Indonesia.
In parallel, SK Plasma will provide initial training programs for Indonesian workers. These programs aim to accelerate production readiness and support technology transfer. Over time, the initiative is expected to strengthen local expertise in healthcare manufacturing.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Healthcare Independence
The development of Indonesia’s first plasma fractionation facility signals a broader push toward healthcare independence. By localizing plasma processing, the country reduces its reliance on imports while strengthening national medical security. Beyond meeting domestic demand, the project also positions Indonesia as a future contributor to regional healthcare supply chains. As operations begin in 2026, the blood plasma factory is set to redefine Indonesia’s role in the ASEAN healthcare industry.
Source: kompas.com
Image: Jun / Getty Images
