Leaders at the Ministry of Health manage complex health programmes involving multiple stakeholders, yet many have not received formal training in project management. This gap has contributed to delays, fragmented coordination and inefficient use of budgets, highlighting the need for targeted capacity-building support.
To respond to this challenge, the Ministry of Health through its Centre for Civil Servants Competency Development (P2KA) implemented a comprehensive project management training with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO). The training aimed to strengthen the practical skills of project management officers and working team leaders responsible for national health programmes.
“This training is essential for civil servants at the Ministry of Health to equip us with effective project management methods,” said Dwi Meilani, Head of P2KA. “In the future, many programmes and projects will be implemented. Therefore, we must prepare to execute projects efficiently and achieve the desired outcomes.”
The three-day training was conducted in five batches from May to July 2025 in Jakarta, engaging 82 civil servants from 12 directorates and units. It combined international project management standards with hands-on exercises based on participants’ own programmes. Case studies included initiatives such as free health screening, ensuring quality services on district hospital and cervical cancer elimination. Participants worked through real programme challenges, enabling them to apply new tools and approaches to their daily work.
Across the five batches, participants completed nine exercises. These included the development of 15 case studies, preparation of multiple project charters and the design of stakeholder engagement plans. Participants were also introduced to a digital project planning tool that simulates real-time scheduling and resource management. On the final day of the training, teams presented project plans that showed clearer structure, measurable indicators and stronger coordination among stakeholders.
Post-training assessments showed an average increase in knowledge of more than 40 points. Around 90% of participants committed to applying at least one project management tool in their work. These results indicate a stronger foundation for more consistent and effective programme implementation within the Ministry.
Further training is planned for 2026 with continued support from WHO. The next phase will aim to reach a wider group of participants while establishing a sustainable training system that safeguards continuity between training series and long-term capacity development.
For Indonesia, improved project management capacity supports the timely and efficient delivery of health programmes that align with public needs and national priorities. It helps programme teams better understand implementation challenges and engage the appropriate stakeholders to maintain progress. Stronger coordination and planning also support more efficient use of public resources, benefiting communities across the country.
Written by Rhiza Caesari Kristata, National Consultant for Universal Health Coverage, WHO Indonesia