TIMES JAKARTA, JAKARTA – Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, is scheduled to visit Probolinggo, East Java, as part of his ongoing global mission to support health diplomacy and social inclusion for people affected by leprosy.

The visit marks a strategic collaboration between The Nippon Foundation and the Indonesian government, aimed at strengthening leprosy control programs and raising awareness about the importance of eliminating stigma.

Mr. Sasakawa will be accompanied by Mrs. Akiko Horiba, a senior officer at The Nippon Foundation, and a seven-member delegation team. The mission will also include representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health and East Java’s Provincial Health Office.

The delegation is expected to arrive in Probolinggo at approximately 9:15 AM and will be welcomed by Probolinggo Regent dr. M. Haris and key local government officials. The welcoming ceremony will take place at the Argopuro Room, Probolinggo Regent's Office in Kraksaan.

During the meeting, The Nippon Foundation will present the objectives of their visit and explore opportunities for closer collaboration with local authorities. The dialogue is expected to highlight the importance of international partnerships in advancing public health and tackling neglected tropical diseases like leprosy.

Site Visit to Endemic Village and Islamic Boarding School

Following the official reception, the delegation will travel to Jabungsisir Village in Paiton District, one of the known leprosy-endemic areas in Probolinggo. The visit aims to observe community-based treatment initiatives and meet with local health workers and residents.

At 12:40 PM, the delegation will continue to Pondok Pesantren Zainul Hasan Genggong (Zaha), one of the most prominent Islamic boarding schools in East Java. The group is scheduled to engage in dialogue with religious leaders, share insights, and enjoy a communal lunch with the pesantren leadership.

Probolinggo as a Model for Inclusive Health Action

Probolinggo has been recognized as one of the regions in Indonesia actively involved in leprosy elimination efforts and community reintegration programs for survivors. The local government’s commitment and grassroots support were key reasons for selecting the district as a destination for Mr. Sasakawa’s visit.

The Nippon Foundation expressed hope that this visit would further strengthen local and national efforts, while Probolinggo officials welcomed the collaboration as a significant step toward achieving a leprosy-free Indonesia. (*)