BPJS Kesehatan has registered approximately 15,000 foreigners (WNA) as participants in Indonesia’s Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) program in Bali.These individuals are legally entitled to enroll if they have lived and worked in Indonesia for at least six months, per Presidential Regulation No. 82/2018.
Perpres 82/2018 (Article 2, Paragraph 2) “Foreign nationals who work in Indonesia for a minimum of six (6) months are required to become participants of the National Health Insurance (JKN).”
Active vs Inactive BPJS Kesehatan Enrollments
Of the 15,000 foreigners signed up for BPJS in Bali, only about 7,000 are still actively covered. The rest, (around 8,000) have become inactive, mostly because they stopped paying their monthly fees. In many cases, this happens when they leave Indonesia and simply forget to cancel their membership. Without regular payments, their coverage is paused, which makes it harder for BPJS to manage the system and keep things running smoothly for everyone.
BPJS Kesehatan Coverage and Claims Trends
Most foreign claims involve treatment for traffic accidents, with expenses reportedly high compared to their contributions. This imbalance has prompted BPJS to review regulations concerning foreign participant contributions and coverage.
When asked about the most common illnesses experienced by foreign BPJS participants, Dr. Endang Triana Simanjuntak mentioned that their complaints are not much different from those of local participants.
“Most of the illnesses are common, like heart disease, diabetes, or others. They’re not too different from what we see in our own population,” she said, as quoted from Lenteraesai.id.
However, Dr. Endang also highlighted a frequent challenge on the ground. Namely, the mindset and service expectations of some foreign participants.
“Some of them are reluctant to follow the referral system or administrative procedures. They’re used to foreign insurance systems where they can go directly to the hospital without a tiered referral process,” she explained, also quoted from the same source.
Upcoming Regulatory Changes for BPJS Kesehatan
BPJS is advocating for regulatory adjustments to ensure participants are genuinely working or investing in Indonesia. One proposal is requiring WNA to present a valid NPWP (tax-payer number), helping confirm their economic activity.
Growing Interest in BPJS Among Foreigners
Despite some inactive enrollments, foreign enthusiasm for JKN is on the rise. According to Dr. Endang, WNA are increasingly motivated to participate in following their employer-sponsored or personal registrations.
“Interests from foreign nationals in becoming JKN participants continues to grow, especially due to increased awareness of the importance of health protection while living in Indonesia.”
Sources: Antara, LenteraEsai, BisnisBali. Featured Image.