Jakarta, May 7 -- Renowned philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates emphasized Indonesia's strategic role in global efforts to eradicate tuberculosis (TB), noting that two locations in the country have been selected for vaccine trials.

During his visit to the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, Gates stated that Indonesia, along with Africa and India, is participating in clinical trials for a TB vaccine.

"Two of the vaccine trial sites are in Indonesia, and this will help us assess the vaccine's efficacy, which will ultimately benefit the global community," he said in a statement.

He explained that developing a TB vaccine is a major focus of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as the disease remains widespread in low-inc...