Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia during the Inauguration of Pekanbaru-Padang Toll Road, Pekanbaru-Bangkinang Section, at Bangkinang Toll Gate, Kampar Regency, Riau Province, January 4, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
First of all, I have not mentioned about my impromptu visit to a general hospital in Pekanbaru city. I just want to ensure that the services of Social Security Agency for Health (BPJS Kesehatan) run well. I have checked from registration process to services for prescription medicines and patient room. I asked some patients and they said that the services are good.
And, we hope that not only [the hospital] in Pekanbaru city, but also in other hospitals, be it government hospitals at the central and regency/city levels or private hospitals, which provide services for patients with BPJS, can have good quality service standards. Now, [BPJS] has changed. Previously, BPJS was late in reimbursement, but now not anymore. BPJS now has enough money to pay on time. And, at the general hospital in Pekanbaru, we see that services for patients with heart, cancer, stroke diseases also run well.
Journalist
What about Pasar Bawah Traditional Market, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I went to Pasar Bawah traditional market to see the economic activities, especially concerning the turnover. Is it better compared to the turnover in 2021? Yes, the sellers said that the turnover in 2022 is better. However, after the revocation of the public activity restrictions (PPKM), the sellers hope to further increase their turnover. It means that in 2023, all sellers hope and feel optimistic that it will be better than that of 2022.
Journalist
Pak President, on other regional general hospitals and also referral hospitals, besides of the services you have mentioned earlier, will the facilities be improved, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We have done it. So, the Ministry of Health have provided medical equipment for heart diseases treatment, and medical equipment for cancer treatment amounted to Rp130 million will be ready soon. It means that we want to reduce as many as possible the number of patients to receive medical treatment abroad, especially to our neighbouring countries. We see that Pekanbaru city lacks of hospitals for specific treatments, such as for heart or cancer diseases. Riau province needs it. I have talked to the Governor that the land will probably be provided by the provincial government, and the building and equipment will be provided by the Central Government. But, it is still on the table. Anything else?
Journalist
How about the toll road, Pak President?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, we hope that the completion of Pekanbaru-Bangkinang section will improve the pace of mobility of goods, services, and people. Previously, how long did it take from Pekanbaru city to Bangkinang the region’s capital? 1.5 hour. I just passed through the section, and it took only 23 minutes. So, it is faster now. If it is faster, the mobility will be higher. It means that it will improve the competitiveness of the local products of Kampar regency and followingly, the products of Riau province. Then, it will prompt new economic growth spots in the short term, in the medium term, and in the long term.
Journalist
What about the second section, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, after the Pekanbaru ring road, from the Muara Fajar toll gate, it will connect Dumai city-Pekanbaru city-Bangkinang city, and later to Padang city.
Journalist
Sir, any special message for Riau provincial government?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I have talked to the Governor. You may ask the Governnor. Thank you, all.
(AW/MUR)