Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspection of Rice Availability and Distribution of Government Food Reserve Assistance in West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, October 2, 2024

Journalist:
How was your visit to the Regional General Hospital, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
We conducted an inspection as we have previously provided assistance to the hospital in West Sumba to construct a new building, which is expected to be completed by December. However, once the building is finished, the most important thing is to promptly equip it with medical devices. A CT scanner, mammography machine, cath lab, and other medical equipment will soon be available. But as of now, we noticed that the building is already in good condition.

Journalist:
Will the aid distribution continue, sir? And what about the food supply?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
This is in line with the plan — August, then October, and then December. We hope this will help stabilize rice prices, preventing them from rising as we intervene through food aid in the form of rice. There are no issues with supply, no problems at all.

Journalist:
Are we prepared for the rainy season at the end of the year? Is the supply secure, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
No issues, the supply is secure. How many stocks do we have here? Almost 1,000 tons. It’s abundant. You can take a look at the stocks inside if you want to. That concludes my statement.
I thank you.

(AY/MMB)