Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Tower A and Tower B of dr. Soedarso Regional Public Hospital, Pontianak, West Kalimantan Province, August 9, 2022

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakatuh,
Good afternoon,
May prosperity be upon us all.

Distinguished Minister of Health and all Ministers in attendance,

Distinguished Governor of West Kalimantan and spouse, as well as Mayor of Pontianak,

Distinguished all officers in attendance,

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

I am deeply saddened to learn that when our citizens get sick, they go abroad – to Malaysia, to Singapore. Some go to Japan, some to the United States. And in particular for West Kalimantan people, I heard many people go to Kuching.

How much is our outflow, the money that goes out to pay for the overseas medical treatment? It is more than Rp110 trillion per year. Therefore, when Mr. Governor told me, “Mr. President, we would like to request for support from the Central Government. I will construct the building, but for the medical equipment, we would like to ask for assistance from Mr. President.

To which I replied instantly, “Construct the building, I will prepare the medical equipment.” The construction costs Rp205 billion. The medical equipment is also around Rp200 billion. This is what we call mutual cooperation in solving [the issue of] money spent abroad because our hospital was not ready.

I checked earlier that there were 277 beds. I checked the operating room, the ICU, and everything. It is super modern. So let me remind you all that we do not need to go abroad anymore. We can treat existing cases here instead.

We have learned a lot from the pandemic in the past two years.

We were able to see how our national health system works, things that need improvements, delays that need acceleration, tools that need to be purchased. Everything became visible. When we suffered, everything became abundantly clear.

When we faced the health crisis due to the pandemic, everything could be clearly seen. The incorrect parts became visible. The delay became visible. Thus, we need to improve things that are less visible.

I am pleased we can see these majestic buildings today. Thus, allow me to congratulate the people of West Kalimantan province.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, by the grace of God Almighty, today I hereby inaugurate Tower A and Tower B of dr. Soedarso regional public hospital in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

 (AY/EP)