Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspecting Sinjai Regional General Hospital, Sinjai Regency, South Sulawesi Province, July 4, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We are installing water pumps in South Sulawesi province. Around 360 pumps are being installed. We expect the pumps can help farmers maintain productivity even during prolonged drought and heat waves. Although the pumps are installed during rainy days, just like today, our effort serves as a preventive measure since many countries suffer from drought and experience a decline in rice yield. We prevent it from happening so we install pumps, not only in South Sulawesi but also in granary areas, Central Java, West Java, East Java, Lampung, and South Sulawesi; the installation is in process.

Journalist

How were services provided by Sinjai Regional General Hospital based on your observation, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

This hospital is clean and well-arranged; there are also enough doctors. When I visit a region, I usually ask how many cardiologists are in a regional hospital. ‘We don’t have cardiologists’. However, President Director of this hospital told me there are two cardiologists here. It’s great. I also checked medical devices from Ministry of Health that have arrived here, including CT Scan unit, X-ray, two state-of-the-art X-ray machines. Other devices such as cath lab and mammography machine will be sent within this year, next year, and by 2026. We also ensured the room was prepared for those machines. As the rooms are not ready, this hospital will prepare it first.

Journalist

What is your statement regarding the dismissal of Chairperson of the KPU (General Election Commission) by the DKPP (Election Organization Ethics Council)?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I respect the authority of DKPP in making the decision. The Government will also ensure the regional elections can still run in smooth, honest and fair manners.

Journalist

When will the Presidential Decree be issued?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I haven’t received it yet. I think it’s only a matter of general administration.

Journalist

Sir, regarding the hacking, what is your statement after hackers gave key to the disrupted data?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It’s important to back up all data we have so we can be ready when an incident happens.

Journalist

Sir, how about the issue that Kaesang will run for the Jakarta Governor Election?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

You can ask directly Chairperson of PSI Kaesang Pangarep.

(RAS/MUR)