Padang (ANTARA) - When people think about development, they often think about new roads, growing industries, modern infrastructure, or increasing investment. But one of the most important parts of development is often forgotten: health. If we don't have a healthy population, it's hard to keep the economy growing. People get less productive, and future generations have fewer opportunities.

This is especially true in Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB), a province rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, and tourism potential. Destinations such as Mandalika are growing quickly, which is creating new economic opportunities and getting international attention. But there is still a big problem. People from different groups in society have different health outcomes.

Recent research based on data from the National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS) shows a clear link between people's economic situation and their health in NTB. The results show a clear but strong message. Being poor is one of the biggest reasons for poor health.

Families with limited financial resources often struggle to access nutritious food, stable housing, and healthcare. This leads to higher illness rates, making it harder for them to work and improve their situation. To break this cycle, we need policies that address the broader social and economic factors affecting lives. Health should be seen not just as the health ministry's responsibility but as an essential part of sustainable development.

Urban residents generally report better health than those in rural areas, primarily due to improved access to healthcare and essential services. For people in remote villages, accessing healthcare can be costly and time-consuming. To address this, we can enhance basic healthcare services through digital technology and provide extra funding to healthcare workers in high-need areas. This approach is crucial not only for fairness but also for the country's overall growth.

Education is vital for health. Those with more educational opportunities usually have a better understanding of how to maintain their health and navigate healthcare services. However, a good education alone does not ensure healthy behaviours. Teaching people to read and understand health information should be a key part of school and community programs.

Schools, universities, and local organisations should promote knowledge about nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and preventive healthcare. Providing individuals with the information to make healthy choices is more beneficial for society than spending money on other approaches.

The study highlights that men and women face different health challenges. Women typically report better health, while men are more likely to engage in unhealthy habits like smoking and avoid visiting doctors when ill. These findings emphasise the need for public health campaigns targeting men to promote healthier lifestyles. Improving men's health benefits not only them but also their families, communities, and the overall economy.

Social connections influence health. Research shows that people with strong family and social support networks enjoy better health than those without. This is important for policy, as community programs that encourage connections, especially for older adults and those in need, can enhance physical and mental well-being. With loneliness recognised as a public health issue, we must find ways to help people foster meaningful relationships.

The most important lesson from NTB is that everyone's responsible for their own health. Healthcare services are important, but they are only one part of the bigger picture. Many factors affect a person's health. For example, the job they have, the education they get, where they live, whether they have enough to eat, clean water, toilets, and support from society.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a useful framework for recognising these interconnected challenges. Progress in health cannot be separated from progress in reducing poverty, improving education, promoting gender equality, and reducing inequalities. Sustainable development requires collaboration across sectors and institutions.

Governments, universities, civil society organisations, and the private sector must work together to create environments where people can thrive. Such collaboration is particularly important for protecting children, whose health and well-being will shape the future quality of human capital. Investments in child nutrition, immunisation, sanitation, and preventive healthcare are investments in the nation's long-term prosperity.

NTB offers a valuable lesson for Indonesia and other developing regions. Economic progress and public health should advance together. Development cannot be considered successful if significant segments of society remain trapped in poor health and limited opportunities.

A healthier population is more productive, more resilient, and better equipped to contribute to society. By strengthening health equity, reducing poverty, and ensuring equal access to opportunities, we move closer not only to achieving the SDGs but also to building a future where development genuinely benefits everyone.

This opinion piece draws on the paper "Socioeconomic Determinants of Health Status in West Nusa Tenggara and Its Policy Implications for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals". The paper was presented at the 4th International Conference on Health Science, organised by UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia, held in Jakarta on 6-7 August 2026.


This activity is funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) on behalf of the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and managed under the EQUITY Program (Contract No. 4304/B3/DT.03.08/2025).

Department of Economics, Universitas Andalas