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ational Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho has released a get-well-soon video for former first lady Ani Yudhoyono, who is now receiving treatment for leukaemia in National University Singapore Hospital. “Bu Ani, maybe I am a nobody to you. But as a cancer patient I know how it hurts physically and mentally when the doctors diagnose us with cancer,” Sutopo said.

Sutopo, who became a media darling last year as he got on with his job spreading official information and combating hoaxes during the frequent major disasters in Indonesia despite being critically sick, had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and is now undergoing his eighth chemotherapy session.

“The fact that Bu Ani has blood cancer means that God loves you. God is testing our patience, power and faith so that we continuously pray, ask for mercy, [so that God] lifts our pain without leaving any other pain,” he said.

Sutopo also said Ani had to use this opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle, as well as to keep thinking positively.

Sutopo also greeted Ani’s husband, former president Susilo “SBY” Bambang Yudhoyono. “Pak SBY and family have to be patient in taking care of Ibu Ani. Family is the main source of spirit, especially for cancer patients,” he said.