• Provide referral-level care.
• Deliver services in areas with limited access.
• Function as academic centers for medical research and training. Heart disease, cancer, and stroke remain as the top three causes of death in Indonesia. In 2023 alone, the MOH has allocated IDR 17 trillion from the JKN for cardiology cases, showing the scale of our investment and the burden that these diseases pose.
Public-Private Synergy Indonesia’ s healthcare system blends public and private service delivery and financing. This hybrid model has allowed for a rapid expansion of services but also raises questions about quality and equity.
“ We see a 50-50 balance in quality when it comes to our talent pool,” Dr. Sunarto notes.“ Some private institutions boast internationally trained physicians, while others, especially in rural areas, require significant competency building.”
To ensure consistent standards, the Ministry provides regulations, training support, and monitoring mechanisms for private healthcare providers. These guidelines are essential for safeguarding patient safety and aligning private sector practices with national health objectives.
WHO and Decentralization: Partners in Progress Indonesia has been a member of the World Health Organization since the 1950s, and the collaboration continues as the country progresses into a middle-income economy. WHO has played a pivotal role in technical assistance, disease surveillance, and pandemic preparedness.
At the same time, decentralization has shifted significant responsibilities to local governments, affecting the MOH’ s ability to maintain a unified system.
“ Decentralization presented both challenges and opportunities,” says dr. Sunarto.“ We’ re now working on improving coordination and integration across different levels of government, supported by multisectoral partnerships. Even the best infrastructure means little without skilled professionals.”.
The Six Pillars of Health Transformation A central framework driving Indonesia’ s health strategy is the Six Pillars of Health Transformation, introduced to address systemic gaps and elevate healthcare standards nationwide. These pillars are deeply interconnected and reflect a holistic approach to health reform.
“ This is the KING of any of our transformation initiatives. We believe in building a healthy population, not just treating illness. Every Indonesian, regardless of location, should have access to quality secondary and tertiary care. A resilient health system must withstand global shocks,” dr. Sunarto affirms.
1. Primary Healthcare Transformation This foundational pillar emphasizes prevention and health promotion. Initiatives include:
• Health education through community-led campaigns and digital platforms.
• Expanded immunization programs covering 14 antigens.
• Disease screening for major illnesses and maternal-child health.
• Revitalizing Puskesmas and integrating services like posyandu( community health posts) and home visits.
2. Referral Services Transformation To bridge access gaps, especially in remote areas, the government is:
• Building 66 more hospitals in remote areas over the next 2-3 years
• Empowering local hospitals for priority diseases
• Partnering with top international healthcare institutions.
3. Health Resilience System A lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic, this pillar focuses on:
• Strengthening pharmaceutical and medical equipment production.
• Producing key vaccines and essential medicines domestically.
• Creating an emergency response network with trained personnel.
4. Health Financing System This pillar aims to make healthcare funding more sustainable and equitable:
• Ensuring availability and efficiency of funds.
• Streamlining allocation based on need and equity.
• Reducing financial barriers for vulnerable populations.
5. Health Human Resources There is a recognized shortage and uneven distribution of healthcare professionals. The Ministry is responding by:
• Increasing medical school quotas.
• Offering domestic and international scholarships.
• Recognizing foreign-trained professionals. A new policy and guidelines are soon to be announced, aiming to welcome the participation of foreign doctors in Indonesia. In Special Economic Zones such as Sanur and Batam, policies that allow foreign doctors to practice have already been implemented, fostering international collaboration and facilitating knowledge transfer.
6. Health Technology Transformation In the sixth pillar, as well as the last pillar in Indonesia’ s health transformation, Health Technology Transformation will play a role in utilizing information technology and biotechnology in health.
GlobalHealthAndTravel. com GLOBALHEALTH INDONESIA SPECIAL AWARDS 2025
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