Luhut Plans to Bring in Foreign Doctors, IDI Asks Jokowi to Disagree

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) South Kalimantan objected to the government's plan to bring foreign doctors to Indonesia. The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, presented this plan.

Chairperson of the IDI South Kalimantan, DR. Dr. M. Rudiansyah, said that the plan to import foreign doctors is very contrary to the program to promote local wisdom.

Rudiansyah said the arrival of foreign doctors in Indonesia had made setbacks for doctors in Indonesia. Therefore, he asked President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to reject Luhut's plan.

"Please, President Jokowi, don't approve this policy. So, the spirit of defending the country doesn't fade as we are currently commemorating Indonesia's 75th Independence Day," he said in a written statement, Sunday, August 16th.

Rudiansyah also regretted the statement of Luhut. Matters of health are not the authority or the main task of his Ministry. 

"We regret the statement of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment. It is not his authority. We have strong objections. Who do we need to import labor and doctors," he said.

Therefore, Rudiansyah also asked the Indonesian Health Minister, Terawan Agus Putranto, to take a firm stance in addressing the issue. He also encouraged all IDI to reject Luhut's plan.

"We ask PB IDI and all IDIs in Indonesia to show their objections to the plan and strategy," he said.

Previously, Luhut Pandjaitan said that the government plans to build an international hospital. So, foreign specialist doctors could enter Indonesia with ease. So, people who wish to receive special treatment do not need to go to another country.

Luhut said that the government would give a special visa for their convenience. It could simplify the administrative processes needed to enter Indonesia.

Regarding the plan to bring in this foreign doctor, Luhut claimed to have received approval from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

"The President (Jokowi) has agreed that we will open an international hospital. So, 1st class doctors can practice and transfer technology with our doctors. So our people do not spend (money) on medical treatment abroad," Luhut said in a webinar, Thursday, August 13th.