Jakarta — Minister of Defense and President-Elect, Prabowo Subianto, has recently undergone surgery for a leg injury at the National Defense Hospital Panglima Besar Soedirman, Jakarta. Prabowo’s decision to receive treatment at a local hospital is seen as a sign of trust in the healthcare system in the country.
The Head of Rehabilitation Center at the Ministry of Defense, Daniel Lumadyo Wartoadi, mentioned that Prabowo himself chose the National Defense Hospital (RSPPN) for the operation to address his leg injury. “Why choose RSPPN? This is what he wanted. We, as a nation, must be able to meet the challenges of the current global development, and show that we are capable,” said Daniel during the 56th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Defense in Jakarta on Friday (5/7/2024).
In his official Instagram post (@prabowo) on Sunday (30/6/2024), Prabowo shared that he had just completed a medical procedure for his injury. “Praise the Lord, one week ago the medical team successfully performed a procedure to recover from the injury I have been experiencing. God willing, with good health moving forward, I am more ready to serve and dedicate myself to the country and the people of Indonesia,” wrote Prabowo.
Prabowo’s decision to undergo surgery in his home country has been appreciated by various parties. Professor of Internal Medicine Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia/RS Cipto Mangunkusumo, Ari Fahrial Syam, believes that this decision demonstrates trust in the capabilities of healthcare professionals in the country. “The information that the president-elect underwent major surgery and succeeded in his own hospital and with Indonesian doctors delights us healthcare professionals, especially doctors. Hopefully, statements of acknowledgment like this will also come from other prominent figures so that the upper class in Indonesia can trust and be willing to receive healthcare services in their own country,” expressed Ari.
The operation performed on Prabowo was handled by orthopedic and traumatology specialist consultant in hip and knee, Sunaryo Kusumo. Sunaryo stated that Prabowo’s condition has improved post-operation. “So, he just wanted the surgery. The goal was to fix the long-standing injury from the 1980s,” he said. Prabowo suffered an injury due to two parachute jumping accidents during his service in the Indonesian National Armed Forces in the 1980s, which caused a injury to his left leg.
Sunaryo added that despite Prabowo’s improved condition, regular check-ups and follow-ups are still provided. “As we can see, he can now walk without assistance, without a cane,” he said.
Daniel also mentioned that there were several challenges faced during the surgery on Prabowo, especially due to the long-standing injury and Prabowo’s age. “We thought about what might happen and we had to prepare for it. Second, in terms of age, with that age, are there any complications that need to be prepared for?” explained Daniel.
Prabowo Subianto’s decision to undergo leg injury surgery in a local hospital confirms his trust in the quality of healthcare services in Indonesia. This step is hoped to set an example for other prominent figures and officials to choose local healthcare services, and to motivate hospitals and medical education institutions to continuously improve their quality.
The competency and quality of healthcare professionals in Indonesia are no less than those of doctors abroad. With the support of public figures, it is hoped that the upper class in Indonesia will increasingly trust and be willing to receive healthcare services locally, thus reducing the number of residents seeking medical treatment abroad.