Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Indonesia

If you're planning to enroll in the public healthcare system in Indonesia, this article covers the requirements for foreigners to be able enroll in the public healthcare system, the steps involved and more.

Indonesia's public healthcare system, known as the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), is a government-run program aimed at providing affordable healthcare services to all residents. The system is managed by the Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) Kesehatan, a public legal entity that is directly responsible to the President of Indonesia. The JKN program was launched in 2014 with the goal of achieving universal healthcare coverage by 2019.

The quality of healthcare under the JKN system varies. While it has significantly improved access to healthcare services, especially for low-income groups, the system has been criticized for its long waiting times, overcrowded facilities, and limited coverage of certain treatments. The cost of enrolling in the JKN system is relatively low, with monthly premiums ranging from IDR 25,500 (approximately $1.80) to IDR 80,000 (approximately $5.60) depending on the level of service chosen.

Enrollment in the JKN system is mandatory for all Indonesian citizens and foreigners who have been legally residing in Indonesia for at least six months. However, it is estimated that only about 75% of the population is currently enrolled in the system. Many middle and upper-class Indonesians, as well as expatriates, choose to use private healthcare services due to the perceived higher quality of care.

Enrollment Process for Foreigners

Foreigners who have been legally residing in Indonesia for at least six months are eligible to enroll in the JKN system. The enrollment process involves the following steps:

1. Obtain a Foreigner Physical Presence Report (SKTT Orang Asing) from the local civil registry office. This document serves as proof of your legal residence in Indonesia.
2. Visit the nearest BPJS Kesehatan office with your SKTT Orang Asing, passport, and a copy of your work permit (if applicable).
3. Fill out the JKN enrollment form and choose your level of service. The level of service determines the amount of your monthly premium and the type of healthcare facilities you can access.
4. Pay the first month's premium at the BPJS Kesehatan office. You can pay subsequent premiums through various methods, including bank transfer, mobile payment, or at an ATM.
5. Once your enrollment is processed, you will receive a JKN card. This card must be presented when accessing healthcare services.

It's important to note that while the JKN system covers a wide range of healthcare services, it does not cover certain treatments such as cosmetic surgery, dental braces, and some types of cancer treatment. Therefore, many foreigners choose to purchase additional private health insurance to cover these and other potential healthcare costs.

Furthermore, the quality of healthcare can vary significantly between public and private facilities, and between different regions of Indonesia. Therefore, it's recommended to do some research and consider your healthcare needs before deciding whether to rely solely on the JKN system or to supplement it with private health insurance.

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