Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After 2024 National Health Working Meeting At Nusantara Hall Ice BSD, Tangerang Regency, Banten Province, April 24, 2024
Journalist:
Good morning, Sir. Minal aidin, Sir.
How are you, Sir?
It’s related to health, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
I already said that. What else?
Journalist:
Sir, you mentioned earlier about stunting. In 2023, the reduction in stunting was only 0.1 percent, and many say that to reach 14 percent this year…
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
Yes, but you have to look at it from 37 [percent] to 21 [percent], which is a huge jump. It’s hard work; bringing down the numbers I mentioned earlier takes work. Indeed, our target is 14 percent, which is very ambitious, but if not, we will not work hard to achieve it. At the end of [year] 2024, we’ll have to see what number it falls to.
Journalist:
What’s the problem, Sir?
About specialist doctors, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
Yes, what is the cause? This concerns orchestrating and integrating all Ministries. There are issues related to water and early marriage, which means which ministry takes care of it. Economic matters, environmental health issues, and sanitation are also involved. This is a challenging job. However, from 37 percent jump to 21 percent, I also have to appreciate the hard work of all Ministries and regional governments.
Journalist:
Sir, earlier you mentioned that the ratio of doctors is low. Despite specialist education, many specialist doctors are subject to bullying, leading to depression. What is the policy regarding this, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
That’s why the Government revised Law on Health. It will make it easier for doctors to go to specialists. Of course, opening a university as comprehensively as possible requires a qualification and good screening. For what? Our educational institutions, whether universities or designated hospitals, can produce as many doctors and specialists as possible. Because of what I see in the field, many hospitals do not have certain specialists related to, for example, MRI, related to Cath lab, and mammograms. The specialists still need to exist but have already been encouraged to go there.
Journalist:
Sir, may I bring up another matter? What is the response to the KPU’s decision, Sir? Congratulations!
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
Yes, this stage of the process is almost complete; the Constitutional Court has finished its work. We must respect the Constitutional Court’s final and binding decision. And today, the KPU has also made its decision. What does this mean? The President and Vice President-elect must prepare themselves to implement the plans they campaigned for and begin working immediately after the inauguration.
Journalist:
How’s the transition going, Sir? Are you preparing for the transition?
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
No. We are preparing this so that the transition can run smoothly and well so that the President and the Vice President-elect can work immediately after the inauguration. If so, that is also requested from the President and the -Vice President-elect.
Journalist:
How do you prepare for the transition, Sir?
PDIP has announced that you are no longer part of the PDIP Party, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
Yes, thank you.
(RY/EP)