Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo officially inaugurated Tzu Chi Hospital in the prestigious Pantai Indah Kapuk area of North Jakarta on Wednesday.

Accompanied by several cabinet members, the President commended the hospital's state-of-the-art facilities, specifically designed for bone marrow transplants and thalassemia treatment, among other essential medical services.

During his visit, President Jokowi had the opportunity to witness firsthand the cutting-edge equipment and devices employed at the hospital. Impressed by their advanced capabilities, he expressed his admiration for the institution. 

"I have just visited the medical facilities specializing in cancer treatment, thalassemia, and bone marrow transplants," President Jokowi stated. "These facilities boast exceptionally modern equipment and devices. I truly appreciate the presence of this hospital."

President Jokowi emphasized the significance of Tzu Chi Hospital in curbing the increasing trend of Indonesian citizens seeking medical treatment abroad. Currently, almost one million Indonesians, with approximately 60 percent hailing from Jakarta, travel overseas annually for medical purposes. This reliance on foreign medical treatments incurs a substantial cost of $11.5 billion in foreign exchange losses for Indonesia.

With the opening of Tzu Chi Hospital, the President expects that Indonesian patients will have access to advanced treatments comparable to those offered in upscale hospitals abroad. The aim is to provide a comprehensive range of medical services within the country, reducing the need for citizens to seek treatment overseas.

Accompanying President Jokowi during the inauguration were key cabinet members, including Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, State Secretary Pratikno, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono. 

They were warmly received by Medika Sugianto Kusuma, also known as Aguan, the Chairman of the Buddha Tzu Chi Medika Foundation, Tsai Liu Su Mei, Chairman of the Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia Foundation, and Gunawan Susanto, CEO of Tzu Chi Hospital.