President Joko Widodo Emphasizes Advancement in Healthcare Sector

President Joko Widodo Emphasizes Advancement in Healthcare Sector

President Joko Widodo highlighted the necessity for the healthcare sector to progress in order to reap the benefits of the demographic dividend peak in the 2030s, where 68 percent of Indonesia's population will be in the productive age group—a phenomenon occurring only once in the nation's history.

Indonesia has successfully reduced the stunting rate from 37.6 percent a decade ago to 21.5 percent by the end of last year. However, significant challenges remain in addressing non-communicable diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer, which are the leading causes of death in the country. The shortage of doctors also remains a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

All healthcare development plans must be integrated and synergized at both central and regional levels. The strengthening of the domestic healthcare industry needs to be accelerated. Indonesia is still losing approximately Rp180 trillion per year as many citizens opt for medical treatment abroad. The master plan for the healthcare sector, aimed at guiding Indonesia's progress, is set to be completed by August.

This statement was released by the Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau at the Indonesia Convention and Exhibition (ICE) BSD, Banten, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.