Indonesia Universal Health Scheme

Indonesia president Joko Widodo has affirmed that citizens are exempt from medical bills when visiting hospitals, attributed to the national health insurance program, BPJS Kesehatan, covering 95% of the population, or approximately 267 million people.

Additionally, the Indonesian State Budget is responsible for the fees of 96 million citizens under this scheme. During a meeting with insurance beneficiaries in Blora, Central Java, Widodo remarked on the unique nature of Indonesia's healthcare system, noting the country's size and the provision of free hospital access to its citizens.

The president's visit to Central Java included inspections of regional health facilities. These visits encompassed the Toroh Community Health Center (Puskesmas) in Grobogan and the Salatiga Regional General Hospital.

While touring these health facilities, President Widodo emphasized the need for enhancements in health services and infrastructure. Key areas of focus included reducing patient wait times and improving medical equipment, such as ultrasound machines, at community health centres.

In Blora, the president acknowledged challenges related to space availability in hospitals. Nonetheless, he underscored the importance of maintaining good health among the population. He expressed his hope that the BPJS Kesehatan and the Healthy Indonesia Card would continue to serve the citizens effectively.

Elsewhere in the country, Indonesia has announced an increase in the minimum equity requirement for insurance companies, setting the new treshold at 250 billion rupiah (US$16.06 million) by 2026.