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View all search resultsPlan to erase JKN premium debts brings relief, worry
As of October, more than 23 million policyholders are in arrears on Rp 10 trillion (US$599 million) owed to the BPJS Kesehatan.
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A Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) official ('left') provides information about the National Health Insurance (JKN) to a woman on Aug. 10, 2025, during a car-free day event in Ternate, North Maluku. (Antara/Andri Saputra)
T
he government’s plan to erase premium arrears for some National Health Insurance (JKN) policyholders is seen as a step in the right direction to make universal healthcare more accessible, although concerns persist over fairness for diligent payers and the implications for the program’s long-term financial sustainability.
Coordinating Social Empowerment Minister Muhaimin Iskandar first announced the plan in early October, saying it seeks to prevent people from being denied care due to years-old arrears, effectively giving eligible members a clean slate to rejoin the program.
And following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday, Muhaimin said the policy “will be rolled out soon”, beginning with a reregistration process for those who qualify.
Ali Ghufron Mukti, president director of the Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan), which manages the JKN program, said the write-off would apply to those who initially were self-pay policyholders but fell into poverty and had their plans downgraded to contribution assistance (PBI) scheme, with premiums fully paid by the state.
Read also: BPJS Kesehatan removes subsidies for 7.3 million JKN policyholders
The forgiveness of premium debt is planned to only cover up to 24 months of unpaid dues.
As of October, more than 23 million policyholders are in arrears with their premiums, amounting to Rp 10 trillion (US$599 million) owed to the BPJS Kesehatan.
