RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Cuba is looking to deepen cooperation with Indonesia in healthcare, education, and scientific research as the Caribbean nation continues to face economic pressure and energy shortages linked to long-standing United States sanctions.

Cuban Ambassador to Indonesia Dagmar Gonzalez Grau discussed the issue during a meeting with Indonesian fifth president Megawati Soekarnoputri, who also serves as Chair of the Steering Committee at National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), at her residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Megawati was accompanied by Director of International Relations at Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Hasto Kristiyanto, Ahmad Basarah, and Hanjaya Setiawan.

According to Hasto, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Cuba and Indonesia in the healthcare sector, particularly in cancer drug development, halal vaccines, and pharmaceuticals.

Beyond collaboration with BRIN and Indonesian Health Ministry, the discussions also explored potential partnerships with Indonesian hospitals, including Harapan Kita Hospital and the National Brain Center Hospital.

“Holding office as president, Megawati believed healthcare was very important for the people, which was why she initiated the establishment of the National Brain Center Hospital,” Hasto said, as quoted on PDI-P official website.

Megawati also recalled her visit to Cuba in 2011, including her visit to a cigar factory where workers received incentives for exceeding production targets.

During the meeting, Ambassador Grau also explained Cuba’s literacy eradication program, which has reportedly been implemented in 30 countries and reached around 10 million people.

The ambassador further described Cuba’s worsening economic conditions, including severe energy and electricity shortages that have affected the country’s tourism-dependent economy. Additional U.S. measures restricting fuel shipments and shipping routes have added pressure to Cuba’s economy, she said.

In response, Megawati emphasized the importance of solidarity among independent and sovereign nations, including through efforts at the United Nations.

As part of the diplomatic exchange, Ambassador Grau presented Megawati with a bouquet of roses, perfume made from the white Mariposa flower, Cuba’s national flower, and Cuban cigars.

Ahmad Basarah said Megawati responded by sharing that she also grows white Mariposa flowers in her garden in Bali. Megawati later presented the ambassador with a miniature of Borobudur Temple and a traditional teacup set as souvenirs.

The Cuban ambassador also expressed interest in a painting of a young Megawati sitting with her father, Indonesia’s founding president Sukarno, prompting Megawati to explain the story behind the artwork. ***