World Bank Offers Assistance For Health, Luhut: No, Indonesia Can Overcome The COVID-19 Problem

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. (Photo: Instagram @ luhut, pandjaitan)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan admitted that he received many offers of assistance from the World Bank for the health sector. This offer was made during a visit to Washington DC, United States, earlier this week.

However, he refused the offer because the Indonesian government was able to overcome the problem of the COVID-19 pandemic. Luhut admitted that he only asked the World Bank to help Indonesia in the mangrove rehabilitation program which will be implemented on 600 thousand hectares of land in the next four years.

"They said, 'We prepare a budget for vaccines', I said we had enough. Until they asked what could be helped, I said,' You can help us with mangroves. We have a 600 thousand hectare replanting program and that is the largest. mangrove replanting program in the world (the world's largest mangrove replanting program), "he explained in a webinar held by UGM in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 17.

Luhut also explained that the World Bank has prepared a budget for the vaccination needs. However, Indonesia still refused.

"As for the health sector, we reject the World Bank's offer. But we invite them to provide assistance for environmental programs," he said.

As well as showing interest in the mangrove program, the World Bank also wants to participate in coral reef rehabilitation programs. However, Luhut firmly reminded that these programs were made for the future of the Indonesian generation.

"So we are not just to please you. So don't you, we have to serve you, yes. The first (to pay attention) is the next generation. I think the message is very clear. clear), "he said.

Luhut also said that he asked the world not to lecture Indonesia on environmental issues. This is because this makes Indonesia seem to be considered a country that is not disciplined or doesn't pay attention to environmental problems.

"So I said, you don't have to lecture us on environmental issues. Because I gave an example, in 2015 I handled forest fires, there were 2 million hectares burned. But America burned 4 million hectares, Australia 6 million hectares, and you guys I never make a fuss. So diplomacy is straight forward (firm) but with a humble tone (humble tone), "he said.