Merck foresees healthy growth ahead in Indonesia

Publicly listed Merck, founded in 1970 as the Indonesian unit of German life science group Merck KGaA (MRK: DE), expects double-digit growth in total sales in 2016 following a similar growth in its healthcare business last year.

The biopharma business, for example, rose by 14.5% in 2015, above the industry average of 8% to 9%. On the other hand, the consumer health business soared by 16%, according to the Jakarta Post.

The Indonesia unit will also strengthen its current strategy of maintaining partnerships with both private and government organizations such as the Health Ministry and the Jakarta Administration, through which Merck will expand public awareness about health issues, encourage public acceptance and broaden market access for Merck's pharmaceutical products.