Megawati Meets Cuban Ambassador to Strengthen Health Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Collaboration in health research and vaccine development was the focus of the meeting between the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and Chairwoman of the BRIN Steering Committee, Megawati Soekarnoputri, with the Cuban Ambassador to Indonesia, Dagmar Gonzalez Grau, in Menteng, Jakarta, on Monday, May 18, 2026.

During the meeting, Megawati highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between Cuba and several institutions in Indonesia, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Hasto Kristiyanto, stated that Megawati places great emphasis on the health sector because it directly relates to public welfare.

"Mrs. Megawati stated that health is crucial for the people, which is why, when she was president, she took the initiative to build the National Brain Center Hospital," Hasto said in a written statement on Monday, May 18, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

In addition to discussing strengthening the health system, the two sides also touched on opportunities for collaboration in cancer drug development, halal vaccines, and pharmaceutical production. The collaboration is expected to involve several national hospitals, such as Harapan Kita Hospital and the National Brain Center Hospital.

Megawati also recalled her visit to Cuba in 2011. During the meeting, she recounted her experience observing firsthand the working system at a Cuban cigar factory that implemented productivity-based incentives for workers.

"Mrs. Megawati reminisced about her visit to Cuba, seeing the cigar factory firsthand. It turns out there are incentives for workers who achieve targets," said Hasto.

Meanwhile, Cuban Ambassador Dagmar Gonzalez Grau outlined several of her country's flagship programs, including a literacy program that has reportedly been implemented in 30 countries and reached around 10 million people.

Ambassador Grau also explained the economic challenges Cuba faces due to pressure from the United States. She touched on the energy and electricity crisis that has hit the tourism sector, one of the mainstays of the Cuban economy.

Restrictions on fuel shipments and shipping routes have reportedly contributed to the country's worsening economic conditions. This situation is considered by some analysts to be Cuba's worst economic crisis since the "Special Period" in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

In response, Megawati emphasized the importance of solidarity between independent and sovereign nations, including championing global issues through the United Nations (UN).

The meeting also included an exchange of souvenirs. The Cuban Ambassador presented Megawati with a bouquet of roses, perfume made from the white mariposa flower, Cuba's national flower, and a Cuban cigar.

PDIP Central Executive Board Chairman Ahmad Basarah said Megawati told her that she also grows white mariposa flowers in her garden in Bali. In return, Megawati presented the Cuban Ambassador with a miniature Borobudur Temple and a set of traditional cups. ***