Our unique geography makes it challenging for populations in remote areas to access quality healthcare facilities, which has led to inequities.

Indonesia remains riddled with inherent challenges, which have made it difficult to implement a singular insurance plan. Indonesia’s path toward UHC has not been free of barriers. It has succeeded, in its short years, in increasing healthcare utilization and reducing catastrophic expenditure. It is the JKN that sought to support people who cannot afford insurance but are not eligible for government support either. Prior to the JKN, Indonesia’s healthcare systems featured fragmented programs and private insurance schemes for those who could afford them, along with basic state provisions for the poorest and non-profit organizations that supported the rest. Since then, the scheme has gradually increased its membership, reaching 220 million people or 84 percent of the population in 2019. During the first six years of its implementation, the government prepared several strategies to strengthen the program’s sustainability, primarily by improving the BPJS’ management. The JKN program aims to provide comprehensive health care for the entire population through government support and improved access to quality services. Next came the implementation of the national health insurance (JKN) program in 2014, which was the most significant step for us toward ensuring UHC. Indonesia has been on the pathway to quality health services for all since it introduced social security reform through two policies - the national social security system in 2004 and the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS) in 2011. Not only will this prepare our systems for future emergencies but also guarantee that people will not suffer due to health costs. In these challenging times, it is critical that even as we take steps to end this pandemic, we also continue our efforts to deliver essential health services to every individual without discrimination, i.e. The national COVID-19 task force has warned that unless there is greater awareness about and adherence to health protocols, the health system will collapse.

The COVID-19 pandemic has overburdened the healthcare system in Indonesia and many other countries.

Menteri kabinet jokowi 2019