To reflect on Indonesia's experience in implementing health decentralization policy during 2000-2007, it was a sudden process. The decentralization policy was halfway done because of political pressures. Technically, players in health sector were not ready to implement that policy.
According to health management researcher, Prof. Laksono Trisnantoro, the decentralization that was not fully done had been caused by the Ministry of Health wanting centralization. This was reflected in the Public Health Insurance (Jamkesmas), implemented by the central government, in this case the Ministry of Health. “The fact is, however, that compensation funds from central government are not adequate. Therefore, a synergy with the local government is needed,†he said at UGM Senate Hall, Tuesday (3/11) after a book discussion entitled “The Implementation of Health Decentralization in Indonesia between 2000-2007.â€
The book discussion held by the Council of Professors was attended by professors, students, interdisciplinary researchers and health analysts. Besides Prof. Laksono Trisnantoro as editor, also attending were Prof. Dr. Warsito Utomo as key panelist and Prof. Drs. Muhadjir Darwin, M.P.A., Ph.D, as moderator.
From the discussion, ideas emerged of a possibility to review Jamkesmas recipients. The review is mainly for recipients who can afford to buy cigarettes. Sanctions for smokers are needed in order that they give up smoking, because diseases caused by smoking will become national burden. Therefore, it needs to be considered whether Jamkesmas recipients are given such sanctions. It is not expected that health insurance is provided, but the recipients do not pay attention to their health. The money to buy cigarette can be spent for healthier practices, which will not harm themselves or the nation that has spent money to cover health insurance.