Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Limited Cabinet Meeting (Through Video Conference) on the Financing of Health Insurance Program (BPJS Kesehatan), 24 March 2020, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

On this afternoon’s Limited Cabinet Meeting, we will discuss the Financing of the Health Insurance Program (BPJS Kesehatan) on COVID-19 pandemic. I need to reiterate that the state has a duty to ensure that healthcare services must be provided to all people, all Indonesian citizens through the National Health Insurance system that runs entirely and sustainably.

We know that it requires a new legal basis after the Supreme Court revoke BPJS Kesehatan premium hike for Non-salaried Workers (PBPU) and Non-workers (BP) per 1 January 2020. The revocation of BPJS Kesehatan premium hike affected healthcare services to the public, particularly the COVID-19 patients.

For that reason, I need to reiterate several points of note. First, the completion of new legal basis needed to regulate the financing that will ensure great healthcare services to the patients by the hospitals. Next is focusing on maintaining full operations of hospitals during this year, particularly guidelines for inpatients, and acceleration of payment disbursement to the hospitals.

The second point is related to the Financing of BPJS Kesehatan for COVID-19 patients, prepare expense allocated for healthcare services in the mitigation of COVID-19 pandemic from the State Budget (APBN) and the Regional Budget (APBD). We must ensure that governors, regents, mayors will also conduct budget re-allocation of the APBD for healthcare services for the people infected with COVID-19.

The third point is for Minister of Health, immediately establish norms, standards, and procedures needed to ensure the provision of healthcare services to COVID-19 patients, be it the information, health care facilities, the amount of service fee, and verification of healthcare facilities which can provide healthcare services for COVID-19 cases.

I think that is all for my introduction.

Thank you.