President Jokowi Wants to Eradicate Measles and Malnutrition in Papua

President Jokowi, accomponied by several ministers, receives Papua Governor, Asmat Regent, and Nduga Deputy Regent, at Bogor Palace, West Java, Tuesday (23/1) night. (Photo: Setpres)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo summoned Papua Governor Lukas Enembe, Asmat Regent Elisa Kambu, and Nduga Deputy Regent Wentius Nimiangge to Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Tuesday (23/1) night, to find solutions of measles epidemic and malnutrition in Asmat Regency.

The President summoned the three officials to collectively determine long-term solutions of the epidemic which stroke repeatedly. Therefore, the President need advises from the head of regions because they are person in charge who know the condition, culture, and specificity of the region.

“We will shortly decide whether it needs to relocate or to provide any particular infrastructure,” the President said.

Earlier on 16 January, the Government has sent 39 medical workers along with the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to take actions in the regency. “But it is only a short-term solution,” the President said.

In the meeting, the President was accompanied by Minister of Health Nila Moeloek, Minister of Social Affairs Idrus Marham, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, and Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko.

Identify the Cause

After the meeting, Minister of Social Affairs Idrus Marham said that the President ordered his range to undertake an initial identification so that the cause of this problem is well known.

Therefore, Minister of Health Nila Moeloek will go to Papua this Wednesday (24/1). “The President instructed to take an integrated and comprehensive approach, not a single action,” Idrus said.

The President also instructed to observe other regencies eventhough this epidemic only occurred in Asmat Regency. “This problem happened only in Asmat and other regencies could take preventive steps,” Idrus uttered.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Nila Moeloek conveyed that she has asked the Heads of Papua District Health to organize medical treatment. “We work together with TNI, Polri, Ministry of Social Affairs; we work in an integrated manner. We design a first 10 days program which several activities were already done up to 3 times, until one month,” Nila Said. (BPMI Setpres/ES) (EPI/YM/Naster)