Indonesia’s Jokowi: Covid-19 is a Wake-Up Call to Improve Healthcare System

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo called for the creation of a robust healthcare system in facing future pandemics.

The events arising from the coronavirus pandemic serve as a warning to improve the healthcare system on the national and regional levels, Jokowi said during the 23rd ASEAN Plus Three Summit on November 14.

ASEAN Plus Three is a partnership between ASEAN Member-States and Japan, China, and South Korea.

Read also: Indonesia Explores Possible Healthcare Partnership with Japan

“The coronavirus pandemic must be a wake-up call for all of us in improving the healthcare system on a national and regional level. Recover together, recover stronger.”

During the virtual event, the Indonesian President offered some suggestions on how to move ahead in realizing such plans.

Jokowi outlined how a strong regional healthcare system starts with adequate healthcare infrastructure on a national level.

He asserted the need for each ASEAN country to sufficiently invest in its healthcare infrastructure to ensure that healthcare access is affordable.

The move would enhance a country’s readiness, particularly its public healthcare capacity, during an emergency period.

Read also: Indonesia Calls for Greater ASEAN-US Cooperation to Combat Covid-19