Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inauguration of the Women and Children’s Health Service Building at Sardjito Hospital Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, August 28, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Indeed, this is a health service building for women and children that is part of Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta. When I first entered, I noticed the excellent facilities. The hospital equipment is modern and entirely digital. We hope this will significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates in Indonesia.

Reporter
How many is your target, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
This is just one example. In provinces, there should also be specialized health facilities for women and children. If we are aware, over the past two years, Ministry of Health has equipped regional hospitals across provinces, regencies, and cities with modern technology, including CT scans, mammograms, cath labs, and MRIs. Improved hospital facilities like these can help reduce issues like stunting, maternal mortality, and child mortality. We can minimize all of them.

Reporter
Sir, Mr. Bahlil mentioned that starting October 1, he plans to limit the subsidized fuel, Pertalite. What are your thoughts on this issue?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I think we are still in the process of dissemination. We will need to observe how it plays out on the ground. No decisions or meetings have taken place yet.

Reporter
What are the considerations and the urgency behind the implementation of this restriction, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
First, this is related to addressing pollution issues, particularly in Jakarta. Second, we aim to improve efficiency in our State Budget, especially for 2025.

Reporter
Will your office be moving to the new capital of Nusantara (IKN) by September, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Let’s see the current conditions on the ground. If many things are still incomplete, for example the airport; if the airport isn’t finished, traveling to places like Papua, NTT, or Aceh from IKN might be problematic once we relocate.

Reporter
Previously, we were waiting for the electricity and water. Does it mean now we need to wait for the airport to be completed, sir?

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

Reporter
Mr. Pram is currently running for DKI-1 (Governor of DKI Jakarta). What is your response to that, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, that is Pramono Anung’s and the Indonesian Democratic Part of Struggle’s (PDI-P) political right. There must be careful political calculations involved in making the decision. I believe it’s not an easy choice to make.

Reporter
Has he sought permission from you, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
He asked for my permission two days ago, right after he was appointed.

Reporter
Sir, political parties’ calculations in the regional elections (Pilkada) are quite intriguing, especially with many new names being proposed. From your perspective, how do you view the elections?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, it is very democratic with a wide range of choices and numerous parties forming diverse coalitions. It is not necessarily predictable. It depends on the calculations of each political party, as they all have their own strategies, mechanisms, and processes.

Reporter
Does Mr. Pram need to resign from his position, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
He has just registered for now. Once he completes the process, there will be more steps to follow.

(RIF/MMB)