Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspection of Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) RW 02 North Cipete, in Sawo Park, Kebayoran Baru Jakarta, Jakarta Special Capital Region, June 11, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, firstly, we have just carried out inspections in Bogor and Jakarta, as part of the month of weighing of toddlers which was launched simultaneously throughout Indonesia, in 338 thousand existing integrated health posts (posyandu). What is this for? Child stunting [prevention].

Because, after all, this is a problem that we must also solve, but we remember that in 2014 our stunting rate was still at 37 [percent], then over the course of nine years it fell to 21 [percent]. Indeed, in last year, the decrease was only small, 0.1 [percent], but after all, we must appreciate the hard work and efforts that the regions and the posyandu have made.

Journalists

So, what have been the obstacles so far, sir? What’s next to achieve the target?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Stunting is not only a matter of supplementary food and good nutrition, but it also has a lot to do with sanitation, the environment of the villages, the environment of the neighborhoods (RT) which also have a big impact on the existing water problems and also have a big impact on stunting. Therefore, handling this problem really needs collaborative work, joint work, integrated work, consolidated work, to produce tangible results.

Journalists

So, will the target be revised or what else, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, as for the target, we have a very ambitious target from 37 [percent] to jump to 14 [percent]. This is very ambitious, but we really have to work hard to achieve the target. Well, at the end of the year we’ll see how much we can achieve.

Journalists

Is it because… (voices not clearly audible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Oh no, sometimes in situations like COVID we need to be careful. Like our dealing with COVID recently, those two and a half years [of dealing with COVID] have affected our concentration on dealing with stunting.

Journalists

About another issue, what about the soccer match between Indonesia and the Philippines, sir? The match between Indonesia and the Philippines tonight?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Our team will win.

Journalists

What’s the score, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

They will win.

Journalists

But please watch it tonight, sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I will.

Journalists

Sir, what about the upcoming Indonesian Independence Day celebration at IKN (Nusantara Capital City)? Why will the celebration be held in two places, sir, in IKN and in the Presidential Palace in Jakarta?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Well, this is a transition period, to relocate our capital city from Jakarta to IKN, so that the journey toward the relocation can be clearly seen. For that reason, the celebration will be held here and there. Next year, when the Presidential Decree regarding the capital city has been officially issued, the celebration will be held only at IKN. Besides, matters related to mobilization, transportation and accommodation are not easy to handle, right?

Journalists

As for important guests, such as former Presidents, will they be invited to IKN or Jakarta?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Everyone will be invited to IKN.

Journalists

Sir, at the end of last month, it was reported that you met with various chairpersons of political parties to discuss, among others, the issue of a cabinet reshuffle [of] those who do not support the President’s work. Is that correct, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I met the chairpersons, but we didn’t talk about the issue.

(TM/LW)