Heaptalk, Jakarta — President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, inaugurated the Ministry of Health’s Hospital (RS Kemenkes) in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province. The establishment of this hospital is expected to improve the quality of healthcare services in Indonesia and reduce the public’s reliance on foreign healthcare services.
During his speech, Indonesia’s President conveyed that this hospital was built to meet international standards and is equipped with modern healthcare facilities, aiming to become a modern health service center for the eastern region of the archipelago.
President Jokowi also emphasized the importance of developing the healthcare sector alongside basic infrastructure such as toll roads and airports. “The government is not only focused on infrastructure like toll roads, ports, or airports but also on health services, which are equally important,” the President said.
Joko Widodo also expressed concern regarding the inadequate conditions of several regional hospitals. Nevertheless, with hospitals like the one inaugurated in Makassar, he hopes that healthcare services in Indonesia will improve significantly.
“As I entered earlier, it felt more like a five-star hotel. Hospitals should be like this one—bright, clean, with ultra-modern equipment,” he voiced.
In more detail, the RS Kemenkes Makassar, consisting of four towers and 12 floors, cost about USD100.8 million, approximately Rp1.56 trillion, to construct. An additional USD22.3 million has already been spent on medical equipment, and the total cost is projected to reach USD33.6 million, equal to Rp520 billion.
With a capacity of 920 beds and advanced equipment such as a Cathlab, MRI, and CT Scan, President Jokowi emphasized that this hospital will serve as a healthcare hub for eastern Indonesia, reducing the need for residents to seek medical treatment abroad. By providing this facility, the President of Indonesia expects to cut around USD11.6 billion (around Rp180 trillion) in losses annually due to the high dependency on seeking medical treatment abroad.
“We no longer want our citizens to go to Malaysia, Singapore, the US, or Japan. Makassar will suffice. We have the sophisticated medical equipment here,” Jokowi said.
