In Front Of Jokowi, Megawati Asks To Reduce Import Of Medical Devices

DOCUMENTATION BETWEEN/President Jokowi and Megawati Soekarnoputri

JAKARTA - PDI-P Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri has asked President Joko Widodo's government (Jokowi) to reduce imports of medical devices, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia is of the opinion that dependence on imported goods, especially medical devices, can lead to the vulnerability of the health system in Indonesia.

"PDIP noted the vulnerability of the national health system due to dependence on imports. From the past, yes, Pak Jokowi," Mega said in her 49th PDIP Anniversary speech delivered online, Monday, January 10.

According to him, Indonesia has many smart people who are able to make medical devices. So, there should be no need for imports from abroad.

"You don't have to be pretentious first. The period of injection equipment or anything and so on is still from the outside. At that time, we just can't make it, I think you know. I asked this to smart people. There are many Indonesians who are smart," he said. Not only that, Megawati also mentioned that it was time for the government to realize people's welfare and social justice. He reminded the government to be able to determine priorities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is expected to be the backbone of the nation's progress. "If in such a strategic element related to the safety of the people of the nation and state, Indonesia still has not carried out standing on its own feet, then how is the way to believe in one's own strength raised," said Megawati.

"BRIN must be able to become the backbone of the nation's progress. Because there is no big developed nation without mastery of science and technology," he concluded.