Since Indonesia's independence 80 years ago, no institution in the country has won the Nobel Peace Prize. Therefore, the President Director of BPJS Kesehatan, Prof. Dr. Ali Ghufron Mukti, MSc, PhD, AAK, is deeply grateful that his institution was selected as a nominee in 2025. He also prayed that this would be a long-awaited victory.

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To date, the majority of Nobel Peace Prize winners have come from the Western Hemisphere. In the Eastern Hemisphere, particularly Asia, a number of figures and institutions have been named Nobel Peace Prize winners. These include Muhammad Yunus (Bangladesh, 2006), Narges Mohammadi (Iran, 2023), Aung San Suu Kyi (Myanmar, 1991), Le Duc Tho (Vietnam, 1973), José Ramos-Horta and Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo (Timor-Leste, 1996), Liu Xiaobo (China, 2010), Kailash Satyarthi (India, 2014), Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan, 2014), Maria Ressa (Philippines, 2021), and Nihon Hidankyo (Japan, 2024).

In fact, to date, there has not been a single Nobel Peace Prize winner from Indonesia. It seems that the highest peace award has yet to find a figure or organization from Indonesia deemed worthy of the honor.

Therefore, when the Social Security Administration for Health (BPJS Kesehatan) was proposed by Prof. Mike Hardy of the Center for Peace and Security, Coventry University, England, as a nominee for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, it was a great honor.

However, the path to winning the Nobel Peace Prize is not easy. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, the institution that awards the prize, ultimately awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to María Corina Machado, a pro-democracy activist and Venezuelan opposition leader. This news reportedly disappointed Donald Trump, as he also felt he had worked to achieve peace in Gaza, Palestine, and Israel.

However, Ali Ghufron Mukti admitted he was not disappointed that BPJS Kesehatan did not win the Nobel Peace Prize this year. He stated that next year, Prof. Mike Hardy would nominate BPJS Kesehatan again as a nominee.

"Just being nominated is already very gratifying, as no other Indonesian institution or figure has received this opportunity. Hopefully, this will be a long-awaited victory for BPJS Kesehatan," he told VOI's Edy Suherli, Bambang Eros, and Irfan Meidianto on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the BPJS Kesehatan headquarters in Jakarta.

When did you first learn that BPJS Kesehatan was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?

Since January 2025, we've heard that someone would nominate BPJS Kesehatan as a candidate for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. However, we only officially learned that BPJS Kesehatan was nominated on October 8, 2025, a few days before the announcement on October 10, 2025.

So, who will be the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?

The winner is María Corina Machado, a pro-democracy activist and Venezuelan opposition leader. This prompted Donald Trump to protest, as he believes she should have won, given her efforts to promote peace in Gaza, Palestine, and Israel.

What is your response to BPJS Kesehatan not being nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize?

It's okay, even if BPJS Kesehatan doesn't win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. I've heard that the person who proposed the prize, Prof. Mike Hardy from the Center for Peace and Security, Coventry University, England, will again propose BPJS Kesehatan for 2026.

They proposed BPJS Kesehatan because our efforts have contributed to peace. Peace is not only freedom from conflict and war, but also encompasses the inner peace of society. Hundreds of thousands of Indonesians can now live peacefully because of easy access to healthcare.

Previously, it seemed as if the poor were forbidden from getting sick, but now, sick people are exempt from paying, as long as they are active BPJS Kesehatan participants. That is what enables people to live peacefully. For that reason, Prof. Mike Hardy proposed BPJS Kesehatan.

You mentioned communicating with Prof. Mike Hardy before proposing BPJS Kesehatan. So, is there a common idea between BPJS Kesehatan and him?

Yes, before proposing it, he had the opportunity to communicate directly and observe what we have been doing. BPJS Kesehatan has become a reference for many parties, even from other countries, to learn from. They are enthusiastic about how BPJS Kesehatan can manage such a large number of participants.

Our concept is mutual cooperation and mutual assistance. In about 10 years, more than 98% of Indonesians became participants in the National Health Insurance Program (BPJS Kesehatan). For comparison, it took Germany 127 years to enroll its entire population in health insurance.

About 10 years ago, Muhammad Yunus from Bangladesh won the Nobel Peace Prize through his Grameen Bank, which allows poor people to borrow money from banks without collateral—based solely on trust between housewives. In my opinion, what BPJS Kesehatan does has a far greater impact. We not only help the poor, but also create jobs and prevent many people from falling into poverty due to healthcare costs.

Are you disappointed that BPJS Kesehatan didn't win this year?

I'm not disappointed; in fact, I feel proud. Since Indonesia's independence, no individual or institution has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Only BPJS Kesehatan has been nominated. I think this is an extraordinary achievement and proof that our work has received global attention.

Indeed, Prof. Mike Hardy was disappointed because he was confident BPJS Kesehatan would win. But he also committed to re-nominating the award next year.

You mentioned Grameen Bank, founded by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. How do you compare it to BPJS Kesehatan?

We have helped many people on the verge of poverty avoid falling into poverty. Through BPJS Kesehatan, many clinics can apply for bank loans because they have partnered with us.

Furthermore, more than 28,000 employees depend on BPJS Kesehatan for their livelihoods. Not to mention the hospitals and clinics that continue to operate through their partnership with BPJS Kesehatan. The resulting social and economic impact is vast—that's what we believe constitutes a real contribution to peace.

What concrete steps has BPJS Kesehatan taken to improve the quality of services for participants since becoming a Nobel Peace Prize nominee?

Previously, queues for BPJS Kesehatan services could reach six hours. Now, we've continuously reduced that waiting time—it's already down to around three hours, and we plan to further shorten it in the future.

Now, with the online system via Mobile JKN, participants don't need to queue at the nearest service office; they can simply do so from home. Even if they lose their BPJS card, they don't need to worry; they can simply use their ID card, as services are now based on their National Identification Number (NIK) as identification. Previously, there was discrimination in services, but now this has been greatly reduced.

Routine health screenings can also be done through Mobile JKN, whenever participants wish. For prevention, there's a feature for early detection of disease risks, such as diabetes. However, many people still don't know about this—health literacy levels need to be continuously improved. It's our responsibility, along with relevant ministries and institutions, to improve public literacy.

Complaints about out-of-stock medications are still frequently received in hospitals. How can we address this?

In management, it must be clear who is responsible for what. BPJS Kesehatan never sells drugs, so procurement falls entirely within the purview of hospitals. Similarly, the availability of doctors is not within BPJS Kesehatan's purview—hospitals must take the initiative to address this.

After BPJS Kesehatan was introduced, hospitals and clinics became crowded because people assumed they would receive free services. How do you view this?

It's important to note that healthcare is expensive, not cheap—let alone free. Healthcare costs continue to rise as life expectancy rises. Six years ago, life expectancy for Indonesians was around 70–71 years, now it has reached 75 years.

Do you think public health campaigns are still lacking?

I think yes, they are still lacking. Public awareness of maintaining health is also not high enough. After all, health is expensive, important, and must be maintained. A wise man said: "Health isn't everything, but without health, everything is meaningless."

So, health campaigns must be intensified, by everyone?

By all of us—not just BPJS Kesehatan and related agencies. The public must also realize that prevention is better than cure. Make time every day for exercise. Dietary habits also need to be maintained; don't eat everything without control. The environment must also be cared for to remain healthy and conducive to life.

What else will BPJS Kesehatan do to improve services to the public?

We must realize that staying healthy even though we are BPJS Kesehatan members doesn't mean we're losing out. In fact, if we never claim, it means we're healthy and can help other members. Maintaining health is better than treating it.

This mindset needs to change. There are many ways and paths to health, and they must be done consistently. Don't regret it when illness strikes suddenly. Because illness can strike at any time, maintaining health is a must.

By October 2025, how many BPJS Kesehatan members will there be, and what percentage of the annual target has been achieved?

Currently, 98% of Indonesia's total population, or around 281 million active members, has been reached. Our target is for all Indonesians to become BPJS Kesehatan members—there are only a few left who are not yet registered.

What about Indonesian citizens living abroad? Are they also covered?

Currently, there are over 100,000 foreign nationals (WNA) participating in BPJS Kesehatan (Indonesian Health Insurance). However, we haven't been able to reach Indonesian citizens living abroad because, according to regulations, BPJS Kesehatan is only valid within Indonesia.

Are there any collaborations with similar insurance companies abroad so that Indonesian citizens there can also receive services?

Currently, we are still hampered by the Presidential Regulation, which stipulates that BPJS Kesehatan is only valid in Indonesia. In the future, if this regulation is changed, we will certainly be ready to provide services to Indonesian citizens living abroad.

There is no ivory that is flawless. If it's not cracked, it's not ivory. The same goes for BPJS Kesehatan—what do you think?

Oh yes, we are not perfect. That's why I often say to students from various universities: "If you don't find a problem, come to us—I'll give you one."

This means we are always open to criticism and suggestions for improvement.

Regarding the fraud that has occurred in several hospitals, how is it being handled?

We have established an anti-fraud system to prevent fraud in hospitals. This system can detect indications of fraud early. If a problem is discovered, we immediately provide a solution so the issue can be resolved. We also take firm action against hospitals found to have committed fraud—we will immediately terminate their partnership.

So, how is the implementation of KRIS (Standard Inpatient Rooms)?

Regarding KRIS, it is not the responsibility of BPJS Kesehatan. We only play a role in providing technical support. The KRIS concept is entirely the policy of the Ministry of Health, so let them handle it directly.

In terms of finances and efficiency, what is the current state of the JKN funds? Is there a surplus or a deficit?

Currently, BPJS Kesehatan's financial condition is healthy. Based on Government Regulation Number 53 of 2018, a healthy condition is considered if net assets are able to cover claim payments for a minimum of 1.5 months and a maximum of 6 months.

However, too much idle funds are also not good. BPJS Kesehatan's performance is not only measured financially, but also in terms of service, participant recruitment, communication, and operational efficiency.

Does BPJS Kesehatan conduct public surveys to assess performance achievements?

We recently held an evaluation meeting regarding performance achievements. It's worth noting that discrimination against BPJS Kesehatan participants has significantly decreased.

Previously, many hospitals were reluctant to collaborate with BPJS Kesehatan because they considered it unprofitable. Now, many hospitals are lining up to partner with us. Furthermore, even healthy BPJS Kesehatan participants can now utilize teleconsultation services from home.

Once again, we remain proud even though BPJS Kesehatan has not yet won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. No Indonesian institution has ever been nominated. Therefore, we consider this achievement a delayed victory.

Ali Ghufron Mukti Shares Health Tips

Health isn't everything, but with it, we can do everything. That's why Prof. Dr. Ali Ghufron Mukti, MSc, PhD, AAK, who currently serves as the President Director of BPJS Kesehatan, is so concerned about health. "Health is a state that we must cultivate and plan for. Health is precious. Health isn't everything, but without it, everything is meaningless," he said.

Therefore, Ali continued, health must be maintained to stay fit and productive. "Health must be conditioned, strived for so that it can be achieved," said the man born in Blitar, East Java, on May 17, 1962.

In maintaining health, Ali continued, there are four things to pay attention to. "First, bibit, bobot, and bebet. Second, the environment—don't live near sources of pollution because it can be harmful in the short and long term. Third, behavior, namely preparing food properly to avoid food poisoning. And fourth is exercise; even if you're busy, you should still make time for it," he explained.

Ali added that exercise should not be excessive. "Don't push yourself; it should be appropriate for your condition. As you get older, choose sports that are suitable and not too strenuous," he said.

Another important thing is to maintain food intake to avoid digestive problems. "As you get older, you should reduce your intake of sugar, salt, and carbohydrates. Foods high in fat should also be controlled so as not to overdo it, as they can be harmful," he continued.

Tennis Ok, Padel No

Tennis is a sport Ali Ghufron Mukti regularly plays. Almost every day, unless there's an urgent matter, he plays. "Even with my busy schedule, I have to make time for exercise," he said.

Even though he's over 60, that's not a barrier for him. "Even though I'm over 60, if you want to compete with me, go ahead," he said in his characteristic style.

He believes the key to exercising amidst a busy schedule is making time. "It always feels like there's no time, so you have to make an effort to exercise," said Ali, who usually trains for about one to two hours per session.

When asked if he'd like to try padel, a sport that's currently gaining popularity in Jakarta and the surrounding areas, including among his children, "For me, padel isn't challenging enough. It's too soft for me, hehehe," he said with a hearty laugh.

Physical and Mental Must Be Balanced

One tennis player Ali admires is Carlos Alcaraz from Spain, who is young and energetic. "He's not only strong, but also clever when playing. He's defeated many opponents, even though he's still young," he said, hoping that one day an Indonesian tennis player will achieve success at the world level.

Enjoying life, Ali continued, is one of the keys to happiness. "We must enjoy life. Whether life is enjoyable or not depends on how we live it," he said.

According to Ali, happiness must be created and nurtured. "We must be grateful for what the Almighty has bestowed upon us. And to achieve something, we must work hard," said the man who implements the concept of fun and meaningful play in his work environment.

Happiness, he added, is everyone's right. "Wealth doesn't guarantee happiness. According to one study, Indonesians have one of the highest happiness indexes. Even if someone's leg is broken in an accident, they can still be grateful: 'Luckily, only one leg was lost.' Indonesians, even if they don't have a home, rarely live on the streets. This is all due to the local wisdom that has developed here," he said.

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Ali Ghufron Mukti emphasized that physical and mental well-being must be maintained in balance. "The two are interconnected. We must surrender and be grateful to the Almighty for what we have achieved. Not everyone has the same opportunities—this awareness fosters gratitude," he concluded.

"We remain proud even though BPJS Kesehatan won't be the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize this year. This is because no Indonesian institution has been nominated so far. Hopefully, this is a long-awaited victory."