FK-KMK UGM. Reflecting on a decade of the National Health Insurance (JKN), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a webinar titled “Implications of Minister of Health Regulation No. 16 of 2024 on the Referral System for Individual Health Services.” The event, hosted by the Center for Health Policy and Management (PKMK) FK-KMK UGM via Zoom on Monday (16/12), provided an in-depth discussion on JKN’s achievements and ongoing challenges, which now serves more than 260 million Indonesians.
Dr. Andreasta Meliala, Director of PKMK, emphasized that although JKN has gained international recognition as a significant step toward Universal Health Coverage, the national healthcare system still requires substantial reforms.
Prof. dr. Laksono Trisnantoro, MSc, PhD, a healthcare policy expert from UGM, highlighted significant disparities in healthcare financing. He explained that the current BPJS single-pool funding scheme disproportionately benefits fiscally strong regions like Java, leaving areas such as Papua and Maluku struggling.
“This inequity obstructs the realization of social justice in healthcare,” he stated.
Meanwhile, PKMK researcher M. Faozi Kurniawan pointed out the financial challenges faced by the Non-Wage Worker (PBPU) segment, which continues to record the highest claim deficits.
“The deficit in this segment highlights the need for a more equitable funding mechanism,” he noted.
Data presented during the webinar illustrated JKN’s significant growth over the past decade, with participation increasing from 53% in 2014 to 83% in 2019. However, behind these numbers lies a complex reality. Private hospitals have grown by 15%, surpassing the growth of public hospitals, which expanded by only 7%. This imbalance affects the quality of healthcare services, particularly in remote areas.
The webinar was not only a platform to discuss challenges but also an opportunity to propose solutions. Experts called on the government to strengthen regulations to ensure fair healthcare financing; improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare in underserved regions; and, ensure the sustainability of JKN as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s healthcare system.
Prof. Laksono underlined that these actions align with the mandate of Indonesia’s Constitution to achieve social justice in healthcare. “This effort must reflect the ideals of fairness and equality as outlined in the 1945 Constitution,” he stressed.
The webinar underscored that JKN’s achievements represent a critical moment to pursue deeper reforms.
“This is a turning point to ensure every citizen has equal access to quality healthcare,” Dr. Andreasta concluded.
The discussions during the webinar called on all stakeholders to work together to build a fairer, more transparent, and sustainable healthcare system for the benefit of all Indonesians.
The session also reaffirmed FK-KMK UGM’s dedication to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). (Contributor/Isroq).
