Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the PKU Muhammadiyah Unimuda Sorong Hospital, Southwest Papua Province, November 24, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirahim, Assalamua’laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Prof. Muhajir, Minister of State Secretary Prof. Pratikno, Minister of Investment/Chairperson of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia who are in attendance,

Distinguished Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board Prof. Dr. H. Haedar Nashir,

Distinguished Governor of Southwest Papua, Rector and Unimuda Sorong academic community, religious figures, community leaders who I can’t mention you one by one,

I went to Biak yesterday morning to attend the Cendrawasih Bay Sail. In the afternoon, I flew from Biak to Fakfak to led a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of PT Pupuk Fakfak.

This is the first fertilizer industry to be constructed in eastern Indonesia. From forty years ago until today, there has been no new fertilizer industry development even though there are already four in the central and western regions of Indonesia. From Fakfak—after the groundbreaking ceremony—it was almost sunset.

On the same afternoon, I also inaugurated an airport in Fakfak. I arrived at the hotel in the evening at 09:00 p.m. The next day, meaning this morning, I flew again by helicopter to Bintuni bay to inaugurate Tangguh LNG. From Bintuni bay, I returned to Fakfak by helicopter, then from Fakfak I took a plane to Sorong since I had promised to do so with the Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board. I wouldn’t dare refuse if the person inviting me was him. I was invited to lay the first stone or led groundbreaking ceremony of PKU Muhammadiyah Unimuda hospital in Sorong.

I noted that, when I viewed the design, this is an integrated hospital with a mall and hotel. I have never seen social enterprises of Muhammadiyah that combine a mall, hotel, and hospital. This is the first time in Sorong. The construction will cost Rp256 billion, not million. And I have promised the Chairperson that I will be send a team from Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing.

Why are you clapping hand? The MPWPH will send a team to carry out inspections on the site and study the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) so that it can be carried out as soon as possible and can be completed next year, inshallah, if the remaining State Budget can cover the cost. If not, perhaps the completion will be delayed but I think the budget is still available.

Earlier, the Chairperson stated there are already four Muhammadiyah Universities that in the land of Papua. Well, let’s not count those outside of Papua. I want you to try to name three Muhammadiyah Universities outside Papua. I repeat, three Muhammadiyah Universities outside of Papua, you may raise your hand. Just a moment.

Yes, you, go ahead. Please introduce yourself first.

Maria Guretia Latubil
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Maria Guretia Latubil, majoring in Agribusiness in fifth semester.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Agribusiness student in her fifth semester. What should I call you?

Maria Guretia Latubil
Maria.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Maria. So, there are a lot of Muhammadiyah social enterprises in the field of education in Indonesia. Please name three Muhammadiyah Universities that are outside of Papua.

Maria Guretia Latubil
Uhamka University of Education in Jakarta. We visited it during a choir competition the other day.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The first one is right.

Maria Guretia Latubil
Uhamka in Malang.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Wait, wait. Uhamka in Malang?

Maria Guretia Latubil
Muhammadiyah University of Education in Malang.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Be careful, I know the one in Malang. That’s not what I know, right, Sir? You may try again, the first one is correct. The second?

Maria Guretia Latubil
Muhammadiyah University in Malang, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, that’s right, that’s right. Why do I know? Because my wife studied there. Third, one more.

Maria Guretia Latubil
Muhammadiyah University in Jogjakarta, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay. You may sit back and you get the bike. You can ride it home Maria.

One more question, this bicycle is not a cheap one since you can exchange it for a car. What makes this bicycle expensive is this inscription, “Gift from President Jokowi.”

The second question, what is the name of new capital city of Indonesia? Please raise your hand. The one with black hijab, since she’s the one that shown much enthusiasm and the one that jumped first? Please, come a little closer but not too close. Please, please.

Avirin Warren
Alright, my name is Avirin Warren, from Science Education major, seventh semester.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
A moment, please don’t be hasty. What should I call you?

Avirin Warren
Via.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Via.

Avirin Warren
Iya.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Via. What’s the name of our new capital city?

Maria
the IKN.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The name? yes, the name of IKN?

Maria Guretia Latubil
Nusantara Capital.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That’s right. We often call it IKN and when we are asked what IKN is, we don’t know its real name. Nusantara, that’s right.

Are the bicycles still available? Still available. Okay.

What should I ask? Sometimes, it’s not the answer that’s difficult but making questions are also hard for its spontaneous and impromptu. Last question, just for ‘Aisyiyah members. For those who memorize Pancasila, please come forward. Please, ma’am, state your name.

Siti Hasna
My name is Siti Hasna, I’m member of Muhammadiyah regional executive board of Sorong regency, from Aisyiyah Sorong regency.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay, Mrs. Siti.

Siti Hasna
Yes, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Pancasila, first.

Siti Hasna
Belief in…

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Wait. From the beginning, Pancasila, first…

Siti Hasna
Pancasila,

First, belief in one and only God. Second, just and civilized humanity. Third, the unity of Indonesia. Fourth, democracy guided by the inner wisdom in the unanimity arising out of deliberations among representatives. Fifth, social justice for the whole of the people of Indonesia.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Loud and clear. That’s right.

Siti Hasna
Alhamdulillah.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Please, you may take the bicycle, Bu Siti.

That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion.

Thank you.

Wassalamua’laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(GWH/EP)