The Government Erases BPJS Arrears as a Proof of Concern for the Health of the Indonesian Public and Youth
Jakarta — The government has once again demonstrated its commitment to public welfare through its policy of eliminating outstanding contributions to the Social Security Administration for Health (BPJS Kesehatan). This step demonstrates the Prabowo-Gibran administration’s commitment to ensuring fair and equitable access to healthcare for all levels of society, including the younger generation.
With this policy, the government wants to ensure that no citizen loses their right to health services simply because of past administrative arrears.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the government has allocated Rp 20 trillion to pay off outstanding BPJS Kesehatan (Social Security Agency) contributions. He stated that this strategic step is an implementation of the President’s promise to create an inclusive and equitable national health insurance system.
“Earlier, we requested a budget of Rp 20 trillion, in line with the President’s promise. That has been budgeted,” Purbaya said.
He added that the elimination of arrears also serves as an important momentum to reorganize the BPJS financial system to make it more transparent and efficient.
“This effort is crucial to prevent future budget leaks. One step that must be taken is to reevaluate various old regulations deemed no longer relevant,” he stressed.
BPJS Kesehatan President Director Ali Ghufron Mukti explained that the policy to write off arrears in premiums will be implemented selectively, taking into account the socio-economic conditions of participants. The government will focus this policy on Premium Assistance Recipients (PBI) and Regional Government Non-Wage Recipients (PBU) who previously had arrears while still independent participants.
“So, the essence of this amnesty is for people who have, as they’ve called, changed components. Previously, they were self-employed, paying for their own insurance, but then fell into arrears. Even though they’ve switched to PBI, they still have outstanding payments, or are being paid by the local government, or PBU Pemda, as they call it. So, those outstanding payments are to be written off,” Ali explained.
This policy has been welcomed by various parties, including independent supervisors and social policy observers. Timboel Siregar, Advocacy Coordinator for BPJS Watch, assessed this premium waiver policy as an appropriate step, in line with the spirit of the constitution to guarantee citizens’ rights to healthcare. He emphasized the importance of transparency in determining the criteria for eligible participants to receive arrears waiver to ensure the policy is effectively targeted.
“I agree that independent or Class III independent participants who are still in arrears due to lack of purchasing power and contribution capacity should have their arrears waived and be transferred to PBI. This would restore their constitutional right to National Health Insurance (JKN),” he said.
Timboel also urged that this policy be implemented immediately so that participants who have been in arrears for a long time can return to actively enjoying health services.
By eliminating BPJS arrears, the government not only eases the burden on the public but also strengthens the foundation of the national healthcare system. This step reflects the government’s strong commitment to vulnerable groups, particularly low-income communities and the younger generation, who are the backbone of Indonesia Emas 2045.
Through policies oriented towards social justice and public welfare, the government demonstrates that health is not a commodity, but a basic right of all Indonesian people.
