Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after the Inspection of Kefamenanu Regional General Hospital of North Timor Tengah Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, October 2, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, during the past ten years, there have been four dams that have been completed in East Nusa Tenggara: Rotiklot, Raknamo, Napun Gete, and Temef. Four large dams. We hope that with the availability of water in reservoirs and dams, farmers can increase their productivity. One may harvest once a year but with the water availability, they can harvest twice or even thrice. Water is the key for East Nusa Tenggara. Water is vital for NTT. Consequently, we are constructing the most dams in East Nusa Tenggara, not in other provinces.

Journalist
Sir, prior to coming here, at the inauguration of the Integrated Cross-Border Post (PLBN), you stated that there was growth in economic centers in border areas. What are the potentials, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, some are already running. For example, the market in Motaain is already operating and very busy. Even the people of Timor Leste shop there; it’s lively. You can see the photo at Minister of Home Affairs. We aim to create such economic centers, the economy of the common people, not the upper-class ones. So, the PLBN not only shows the face and representation of Indonesia’s progress but also creates new economic growth points.

Journalist
What is the solution to the water problem in the border area, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Minister of Public Works and Public Housing has installed many water pumps. Dams and reservoirs are also being constructed. Over the past ten years, we have built 5,500 reservoirs. Water pumps are also installed at certain points.

Journalist
What were the results of your hospital inspection, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We need to increase the capacity of the hospital and we have not intervened in its health equipment (procurement) for a long time. However, I have told the President Director (of the hospital) to prepare the rooms first.

In the future, we will send the equipment for CT scan, catheterization laboratory, and mammogram to the hospital so that everything will be better since the hospital receives 60-70 patients daily. I have also told the Minister of Health to add more beds.

Journalist
Your thoughts on the meeting of Mr. Prabowo and Mrs. Megawati, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I think the meeting was good so that communication between national figures could be established for the progress of the country and nation.

Journalist
A thousand people died in Lebanon. How is the evacuation of Indonesian citizens in Lebanon, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I have ordered Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Mrs. Retno to follow up on my directions since the safety and security of citizens is paramount. Evacuation is expedited. That’s all.

(GWH/LW)