FK-KMK UGM. The Center for Health Policy and Management (PKMK) of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a press conference titled “A Decade of JKN Policy in Three Periods” at the Common Room of the FK-KMK UGM Research and Development Building on Wednesday (18/12). The event featured the Head of PKMK, Prof. dr. Laksono Trisnantoro, MSc, PhD., who delved into the key issues surrounding the implementation of the National Health Insurance (JKN) over the past ten years.
Prof. Laksono highlighted the challenge of achieving equitable healthcare services as a crucial issue requiring immediate attention.
“The main problem BPJS faces is equity. For instance, in Rote, patients with eye diseases must fly to Kupang because there is no ophthalmologist there. Yet, transportation costs are not covered by BPJS. This becomes a significant barrier to access for the community,” he stated.
He added that by December 30, new policies aimed at securing equitable healthcare services in archipelagic regions would become a primary focus. The Ministry of Health has initiated various programs targeting critical diseases such as heart conditions, cancer, urology, and stroke under the KJSU (Heart, Stroke, and Urology Health) program, which will be expanded to various regions.
However, challenges also stem from public behavior.
“Some people believe that all health services are fully covered, yet they continue smoking and refuse to pay BPJS premiums. Meanwhile, the cost of treating smoking-related illnesses is exorbitant,” said Prof. Laksono.
From a financial perspective, BPJS is facing severe threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the healthcare budget was funded by the government rather than BPJS. However, in 2023, BPJS reported a deficit of Rp7 trillion, projected to rise to Rp15–17 trillion in 2024.
“For 2025–2026, we must seek additional funding. Government resources are becoming increasingly limited, even resorting to additional debt to meet health needs,” Prof. Laksono explained.
He also mentioned the potential for rate increases for Wage-Earning Workers (PPU) and adjustments to subsidy policies for Contribution Assistance Recipients (PBI) funded by regional budgets (APBD). According to him, health fund management must become more effective and efficient to avoid overburdening the government.
Prof. Laksono emphasized that BPJS should remain focused on lower-middle-income groups.
“BPJS services in the future should adhere to standard classes where patients share a room with no more than three other individuals. This demonstrates that BPJS is genuinely designed for those in need,” he asserted.
He also criticized the policy banning Jamkesda (Regional Health Insurance), which previously allowed local governments to play a greater role in providing healthcare services. However, funds transferred to the central government often did not align with the readiness of local healthcare facilities.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Laksono warned against further uncertainty in the implementation of JKN policies.
“This involves the livelihoods of many people. Current issues must not worsen the existing situation,” he concluded.
Through these critical actions, PKMK FK-KMK UGM remains committed to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 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). (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter).
