August 16, 2026 | 12:19 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi provided an explanation regarding President Prabowo Subianto's proposal for an "air ambulance" service, a concept revealed during his state address at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on August 14, 2026. According to Prasetyo, the terms "air ambulance" and "flying doctor" refer to medical professionals who would be flown to remote or hard-to-reach areas that currently lack adequate healthcare facilities.
Prasetyo noted that these flights could be carried out using helicopters. "The term 'flying doctor' stems from the fact that, during our travels across Indonesia, we have seen just how vast the country is and how unevenly distributed healthcare facilities remain," Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
He stated that the air ambulance and flying doctor initiative would proceed alongside the improvement and construction of healthcare facilities. Currently, the government has already launched a program to upgrade Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) and Regional General Hospitals (RSUD) throughout Indonesia.
The Gerindra Party politician mentioned that the flying ambulance concept is already in use in other countries. The concept is typically employed for rapid response units utilizing helicopter transport. "This allows for much faster medical intervention, particularly in remote areas," he said.
President Prabowo delivered two speeches before parliament on Friday, August 14, 2026. The first address was delivered during the MPR Annual Session, covering performance reports from state institutions and serving as the state address commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence.
Subsequently, in his second address, Prabowo spoke at the House of Representatives (DPR) Plenary Session to present the 2027 Draft State Budget (RAPBN) and its accompanying financial note. The Gerindra Party Chair delivered the introductory speech for the draft budget prepared by his administration.
Read: Indonesia Plans 'Flying Doctors' to Expand Healthcare Access in Remote Areas
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Indonesia Plans 'Flying Doctors' to Expand Healthcare Access in Remote Areas
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Indonesia plans flying doctor program to improve healthcare access in remote areas, alongside mobile dental services to reach underserved communities.
