President Jokowi Encourages Children With Cancer to Dream Big

President Jokowi accompanied by First Lady Iriana, Minister of Health, and Minister Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection dialogue with cancer survivors, at the Presidential Palace Bogor, West Java, Friday (6/4). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media and Information)

A number of children with cancer under the auspices of the Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia (the Indonesian Children Cancer Foundation) on Friday (6/4) met with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java.

The meeting took place casually, filled with question and answer session between the President and the children, singing, and performing magic shows.

During the meeting, President Jokowi, accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, encouraged the children to continue doing their activities and to have dreams and goals because these dreams and goal build the spirit. “You must have dreams and be enthusiastic,” the President told the children.

The President also expressed his appreciation to the parents, Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia and the companions for providing support and encouragement for the children. “May the encouragement and the assistance provided to our children will encourage them to dream big ahead,” the President said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also listened to the suggestion given by the Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia related to care for the children with cancer and pledged to follow it up.

“I will follow up the suggestions that I receive such as those related to the regulations for the drugs import duty, because this is also important thing for the future of our children,” the President said to the journalist.

The President Jokowi expressed his hope for the recovery chance for the children and hopes that children are able to achieve their future.

“Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia has told me that 70 percent more of these children can be cured if the cancer is detected early. We hope all the children, not only 70 percent but also be 100 percent, can be cured because they have future,” the President concluded.

Joining the President on that occasion were Minister of Health Nila Moeloek and Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Yohana Yembise. (BPMI Setpres/ES) (GWH/EP/Naster)