Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Inspection of the Mas Amsyar Regional General Hospital (RSUD), Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, June 26, 2024

Reporter:

Sir, may we have permission to ask about the infrastructure in Katingan? We are journalists and want to know if there are any plans for infrastructure development during this visit.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

What infrastructure? Which specific infrastructure are you referring to?

Reporter:

The infrastructure in question is the road from Kereng Pakahi to Kampung Melayu. Kamipang remains isolated, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

I observed that the road was perfectly smooth.

Reporter:

Sir, the 80-kilometer road from Kereng Pakahi cannot be constructed yet because of insufficient Regional Budget (APBD). What would you do?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Provide more information about this. Is it a district road, a provincial road, or a national road?

Reporter:

The road is classified as a district road. What will the central government do to address this? Can the central government extend its assistance?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

We should inquire about it with the Regent if it is a district road.

Reporter:

The Regent has firmly stated that the budget was limited and that the APBD was insufficient.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Where is the regent? Wait, I’ll note it down. Which road? From where to where?

Reporter:

From Kereng Pakahi to Kampung Melayu, the distance is approximately 80 kilometers.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Karang Pakahi, 80 kilometers, okay

Reporter:

The reason is that the APBD is insufficient.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

All districts encounter similar issues. Every time I come to the district areas, they give similar reasons. This makes the central government need to take action. Actually, they have to overcome it by themselves. Later, I will instruct the [Ministry of] Public Works [and Public Housing] to inspect the area thoroughly. Please take notes about this.

Reporter:

What about today’s inspection, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

What?

Reporter:

Regarding today’s inspection in Katingan, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

I visited Katingan and East Kotawaringin and found the prices almost identical. However, the prices were lower in Katingan. Garlic was priced at Rp. 40,000, red onion at Rp. 40,000, and meat at Rp. 38,000. Chicken meat was also priced at Rp. 38,000. Everything seemed to be the same. I think there should not be any issues with distribution and transportation

Reporter:

Sir, what about the hospital and the BPJS health insurance service for hospital treatment?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

I believe that the BPJS service here is inadequate. With only 53 rooms, it falls far short of the necessary capacity of over 100. I have already brought this issue to the attention of the Minister of Health, as there is a lack of available land here. The Regent offered 5 hectares of land for relocation, a team from the Ministry of Health will conduct a site visit later. OK?

Reporter:

(Audio is inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Because of what? Because, soon this year, CT scans, mammography, incubators, and all those expensive devices will be sent here. But why do we come here? We want to see the readiness, the room. Yes, that’s all.

Reporter:

Thank you, Sir.