September 15, 2025 | 10:55 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Before being removed as Indonesian Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati had conveyed a plan to adjust the BPJS Kesehatan health insurance rates to maintain the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Program (JKN). During a working meeting with the Budget Agency (Banggar) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Thursday, Sri Mulyani explained that the sustainability of the JKN program heavily depends on the extent of benefits that can be provided to all participants.
"If the benefits provided to participants increase, then the required costs will inevitably also rise," said Sri Mulyani, as quoted from Antaranews on August 21, 2025.
The adjustment of BPJS Kesehatan insurance premiums is expected to increase the number of Beneficiary Assistance Recipients (PBI), which are groups of people subsidized by the government. The government also endeavors to ensure that self-paying participants, especially Non-Wage Recipients (PBPU), can still join the JKN program at an affordable price.
According to Sri Mulyani, although the self-paying premium for PBPU should be Rp43,000, participants are only charged Rp35,000. The Rp7,000 difference will be subsidized by the government to ensure that the amount paid by participants remains affordable.
Regarding the final decision on adjusting BPJS Kesehatan insurance premiums, Sri Mulyani explained that further discussions will be held among the government, DPR, Health Minister, and BPJS Health.
In the Draft State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (RAPBN) 2026, the government has allocated a budget of Rp244 trillion for the health sector, with Rp123.2 trillion of this amount allocated for public health services. The majority of this budget, approximately Rp69 trillion, will be used for premium assistance to 96.8 million PBI and premiums for PBPU/Non-Wage Workers (BP) amounting to 49.6 million people.
The adjustment of BPJS Kesehatan insurance premiums is also included in Book II of the Financial Note and RAPBN for the 2026 Fiscal Year. In this review, the government acknowledges various challenges in implementing social insurance programs, particularly related to participants' compliance in paying premiums and the increasing burden of claims to be covered by BPJS Kesehatan.
The government suggests that the financing scheme for the JKN program be comprehensively and equitably designed to avoid burdening any party, including participants, the central government, and regional governments.
Furthermore, the government proposes that the adjustment of premium rates be carried out gradually, while still considering the purchasing power of the community and the fiscal condition of the government. The impact of this premium adjustment will also take into account several main factors, including adjusting premium assistance for PBI participants, increasing the government's contribution to PBPU/BP Class III participants, and the burden borne by the government as the employer for Civil Servant PPU (PPU Penyelenggara Negara).
However, DPR has not yet approved the government's plan to raise BPJS Kesehatan insurance premiums in 2026. The plan was previously outlined in Book II of the Financial Notes RAPBN 2026.
"Until now, the DPR RI's Commission IX has not yet approved the plan to increase the premiums," said Commission IX member of DPR Irma Suryani Chaniago in a written statement quoted on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
She believes that the plan to increase the premiums needs to be further evaluated. Especially in the context of the national economic conditions and the protection of low-income communities.
Annisa Febiola and Hanin Marwah contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor's Choice: Health Minister to Discuss BPJS Kesehatan Tariff Hike with Finance Minister and President
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
BMKG: Strong M4.9 Earthquake Hits Bengkulu, Indonesia
8 menit lalu
An earthquake struck Mukomuko, Bengkulu, Indonesia, on Sunday night, September 14th, 2025, says Meteorology, Climatology, & Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
Human Rights Minister Proposes Designated Protest Zone at Parliament
29 menit lalu
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai believes that citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and that the govt' must be receptive to their voices.
Why the BMKG is Concerned About Megathrust Earthquake Threat in Indonesia
1 jam lalu
BMKG has stated that Indonesia still faces a threat of a major earthquake in the megathrust zone at several points in the region.
Hundreds of Indonesian Children Still Detained by Police After August Demonstrations, Arrested Using Violence
23 jam lalu
KPAI reveals the arrests and interrogations of the children were carried out through physical and verbal violence by Indonesian Police.
Indonesia: 583 Demonstrators Still Detained, KPAI Ensures Children in Custody Receive Special Treatment
23 jam lalu
Following the recent demonstrations in late August 2025, KPAI ensures that child detainees receive special treatment and their identities are kept safe.
Smart TV Distribution in Indonesia Deemed Unsuitable; Here's the Education Ministry Explanation
1 hari lalu
The distribution of smart TVs in Indonesia has been ongoing since May 2025 and is targeted to reach all regions by mid-2026.
Palace Refutes Claims Prabowo Sent Presidential Letter on Police Chief Replacement to the DPR
1 hari lalu
The Palace has denied claims that Indonesian President Prabowo had sent a presidential letter for the replacement of the Chief of Indonesian Police.
Mount Lewotobi's Decreased Volcanic Activity Indicates Potential Short-Term Stability, Says Geological Agency
1 hari lalu
There has been a significant decrease in volcanic activity indicating potential short-term stability at Mount Lewotobi, Indonesia.
Prabowo's Smart TV Procurement Program: Key Facts
1 hari lalu
A number of facts about Indonesia's smart TV procurement program, one of President Prabowo Subianto's programs.
Hashtags Hurt, Hashtags Heal Too
1 hari lalu
The arrests of activists are revealing how social media and hashtag is actively fueling Indonesia's ongoing democratic reckoning.
