Healthcare System in Indonesia: everything you need to know

How does the healthcare system operate in Indonesia?

In recent years, the local government has made a big effort to improve the local healthcare system. In 2014, mandatory health insurance for all citizens called Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) was released. This new healthcare plan seeks to guarantee basic health services and access to healthcare facilities for all citizens.

Previously, those who had health insurance were state workers, those with the ability to pay and the poorest citizens who were funded by the government. Charitable organizations also played an important role in providing health care to those who fell outside of these categories.

The new program offers a comprehensive health care system for all citizens. However, due to problems with hospitals and clinics not wishing to join the JKN program, progress has been slow. This has led to service breakdowns at the state-run clinics called Puskesmas.

To access the health system, employed residents must pay 5% of their salary for insurance. Informal or self-employed workers must pay monthly premiums which are usually very cheap, only $2 dollars on average.

There are two types of Puskesmas, or state clinics, those with and without beds. Those without beds are day clinics only, where patients can go for minor accidents, treatment and prevention.

On the other hand, the Puskesmas with beds operate 24 hours a day and attend critical patients who require more specialized care.  Both types of state clinics present serious problems due to lack of personnel, long waiting times and lack of supplies. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

If you are going to live and work in Indonesia for more than 6 months, you must join the compulsory JKN program. This insurance provides coverage for the insured as well as your family. It must be arranged by your employer.

By hiring public insurance you can be treated at state clinics with coverage offered by the government. However, as mentioned above, these clinics do not provide the best care, especially in rural areas.

Therefore, in order to have access to private clinics for emergencies or high-cost procedures, it is best to have travel insurance or international health insurance in Indonesia, depending on the length of your visit. Due to the low quality of the local public health care system, many foreigners who are going to reside in Indonesia choose to hire an international health insurance plan with global coverage.

To find the best international health insurance plans, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can compare and quote the entire insurance market 100% online.

What do I do if I have an emergency in Indonesia?

It is important to know that emergency services, even in the capital city of Jakarta, have major staffing problems and suffer long delays. If you have a medical emergency during your stay in Indonesia, the only general emergency service number is 118.

However, especially if you are in a rural area, due to the precariousness of the system, it will take a long time for the ambulance to arrive and assist you. It is a relatively new system, with little coverage and very few personnel, therefore it is unreliable when you require assistance.

If you can find alternative transportation to get to a medical center, take it. 

Other emergency numbers that may be useful are:

Police: 110 or 112

Fire Department: 113

Search and Rescue: 115

How do pharmacies operate in Indonesia?

Pharmacies in Indonesia are called Apotik. You will find the largest variety of medicines in the big cities, mainly the capital city of Jakarta.

You are allowed to enter with prescription drugs, however you must bring a doctor's letter and the prescription of the drug to prove that it is authorized. If are visiting the country for a longer period of time than the allowed amount of medicine you can bring, check with your doctor to see if your medication is available in Indonesia, or what alternative you could take.

In pharmacies, which are usually located in large shopping malls, you will find prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as hygiene and beauty products. A pharmacist will also be available to validate your prescriptions or recommend medication for an ailment. Pharmacists can also write you a prescription without having to visit a doctor.

Pharmacies located in hospitals and health centers will not sell you medication without an appointment and a prescription from a local doctor. 

Entry Requirements

To enter Indonesia you must be vaccinated with at least two doses of Covid-19 vaccine.

Some governments have imposed a travel alert for Indonesia due to recent violence, especially in the Papua provinces.

Remember to check if your country of nationality requires a visa before you start planning your trip to Indonesia.