Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Ministry of Health Hospital Surabaya, Surabaya City, East Java Province, September 6, 2024

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good morning,
May peace be upon us all,

Distinguished Minister of Health, Governor of East Java, Mayor of Surabaya, President Director of Ministry of Health Hospital,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Stroke is the leading cause of death in our country, followed by heart attacks and cancer. East Java ranks third after Yogyakarta and Central Java in terms of mortality rates from these conditions. This underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures. Consequently, the establishment of Ministry of Health Hospital in Surabaya is of paramount importance.

I do not want our citizens to seek medical treatment in Singapore or Malaysia. Our hospitals should provide an atmosphere akin to a five-star hotel, ensuring excellent service and aiding in a swift recovery. This will help prevent the loss of approximately Rp180 trillion in foreign exchange every year. We hope that, in the future, our people will no longer need to travel abroad—to countries like Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, or the US—for medical care. Rp180 trillion is a significant amount.

Providing 867 beds here requires a substantial investment. We have allocated Rp1.6 trillion for the construction alone, with an additional Rp386 billion for hospital equipment. This facility in Surabaya, East Java, is set to become the healthcare hub for the eastern part of Indonesia. Furthermore, there is an additional Rp50 billion allocated for human capital development. It is a significant financial commitment.

However, I believe the Government is prepared to allocate a substantial budget as long as healthcare services for the people continue to improve. The quality of hospital wards is improving, and the lighting is much brighter.

During my previous inspections of regional hospitals, no matter how many I visited, the lighting was always inadequate—dim and uninviting, unlike what I just witnessed here, which is bright and clear. We aim for this standard so that patients can recover quickly and receive the best possible care.

That concludes my remarks.

And by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby inaugurate Ministry of Health Hospital in Surabaya, East Java province this morning.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. 

(GWH/EP)