The Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, is planning to raise BPJS premiums, although the exact amount has yet to be determined.
He stated that this increase refers to Law No. 40 of 2004 concerning the National Social Security System, which mandates periodic premium increases.
As of December 2024, the total unpaid contributions of JKN participants reached IDR 21.48 trillion, while BPJS Kesehatan insurance highly depends on participants’ contributions.
Dr. Mulyadi Sumarto, a lecturer from the Department of Social Development and Welfare at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), noted that increased BPJS premiums are justified.
This is due to inflation, rising income levels, and, most importantly, the need to sustain the program.
“Not only should they be raised, but they should also be reviewed periodically,” he stated on Thursday (Feb. 13) at the UGM campus.
On the other hand, the premium increase will certainly affect the public, especially independent participants. He mentioned that this can be quite surprising for citizens.
Given the country’s current dynamic economic situation, this decision is considered the government’s last resort to ensure the program remains sustainable.
“Moreover, the classification of independent BPJS participants remains unclear, leading to inaccurate assessments of the public’s ability to pay,” he added.
As is well known, there are two main categories of BPJS participants: Contribution Assistance Recipients (PBI) and Non-Contribution Assistance Recipients (Non-PBI). Among these categories, there is a gray area of citizens who fall between the poor and middle classes.
“This group is not much different from the poor,” he explained.
While the government has not yet determined the exact amount of the increase, Dr. Sumarto estimated that there are two possible approaches: reducing subsidies or maintaining subsidies while raising the premium amount.
However, given recent cuts to ministries’ and agencies’ budgets, Dr. Sumarto pointed out that in a family of three to four members using Class III with a premium of IDR 35,000 per person, the monthly contribution would be around IDR 140,000.
“For the poor, even buying subsidized rice at IDR 22,500 is unaffordable, with only 40% able to purchase it,” he explained.
Based on this data, the premium increase will significantly burden gray area citizens, whose economic conditions are almost identical to those of the poor.
To address this issue, Dr. Sumarto noted that the government has already implemented several measures, one of which is the Installment Payment Plan (REHAB) program.
However, the main problem is participants’ inability to pay premiums. Even if payments can be made in installments, the program is unlikely to solve the issue if participants still cannot afford it.
It cannot be denied that public understanding of this priority issue also affects their compliance in paying premiums.
“Public understanding may be insufficient, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s their fault,” he added.
According to him, public understanding of this issue aligns with economic conditions. Paying premiums is a civic duty, but the ability to pay is what needs to be reassessed.
“I think the public will certainly prioritize essential needs over insurance,” he remarked.
In dealing with the JKN participants’ outstanding contributions in the long term, Dr. Sumarto urged the government to review several sectors, starting with budget structure, political behavior, and, most importantly, caution in using the budget.
He also emphasized that understanding vulnerable groups needs to be evaluated and, more importantly, recognized that the government must protect these groups.
“Reassess thoroughly, and the government should not force this gray area group to pay because forcing it won’t solve anything,” he concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photo: BPJS Kesehatan