The president then pointed out that the government still has obligations that need to be met immediately, including the task to overcome stunting and to address the issue of deadly non-communicable diseases, such as strokes, heart attacks, and cancer
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that the 2024 National Working Meeting on Health (Rakerkesnas) played a significant role in helping Indonesia become a developed country.

"Everyone present this morning has a very significant role in realizing a healthy society for a developed Indonesia, for a Golden Indonesia. Hence, do not let this opportunity be lost," President Jokowi noted in his remarks at the event here on Wednesday.

The head of state remarked that Indonesia has the opportunity to become a developed country through the demographic bonus projected to be achieved by around 2030, where 68 percent of Indonesia's population will belong to the productive age group.

"The next 15-20 years will be a crucial period. Everyone must understand this problem," he emphasized.

President Jokowi also stated that people's health is crucial and fundamental in bringing Indonesia to become a developed country.

"As the minister of health said earlier, what is the point of (Indonesia having) lots of smart people but they are not healthy?" he stressed.

The president then pointed out that the government still has obligations that need to be met immediately, including the task to overcome stunting and to address the issue of deadly non-communicable diseases, such as strokes, heart attacks, and cancer.

President Jokowi stated that the stunting rate in Indonesia had fallen, from 37.6 percent 10 years ago to 21.5 percent in 2023.

"At least this year, we will reach 14 percent. I do not think this is easy because this is work that must be integrated. However, hopefully, in one year, we can reach 14 percent," he noted.

Meanwhile, he stated that deadly non-communicable diseases are still the cause of the relatively high death rate in Indonesia.

These diseases include stroke that causes around 330 thousand deaths per year and heart disease causal to around 300 thousand deaths per year.

"Deaths due to heart disease in our country are still (ranked at) number two, and (at) number three are deaths due to cancer," the president stated.

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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Katriana
Editor: Arie Novarina
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