Rp30 Million Incentive for Specialist Doctors in 3T Areas Now Paid Directly by the Center

JAKARTA - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that starting January 2026, incentives of Rp. 30 million per month for specialist doctors serving in the Backward, Frontier, and Outermost (3T) areas will be paid directly by the central government, no longer through the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) to the local government.

This policy was taken following an evaluation of the distribution of incentives through DAK which was considered not to run optimally in a number of regions.

"At that time, because it was in the middle of the year, it was given to the local government through DAK. And not all of them carry it out. It's normal, if there is a new regulation, they feel that this is going to be used by others," said Budi Gunadi Sadikin in Jakarta, Antara, Thursday, January 22.

According to the Minister of Health, the central government decided to take over the distribution of incentives so that the rights of specialist doctors in the 3T area can be received in a timely manner while improving the distribution system of allowances in the future.

This policy is a follow-up to the issuance of Presidential Regulation Number 81 of 2025 concerning Special Allowances for Specialist Doctors, Subspecialist Doctors, Specialist Dentists, and Subspecialist Dentists Serving in Remote, Border, and Island Areas.

In the first phase, special allowances of Rp30,012,000 per month were given to around 1,100 specialist doctors, subspecialists, specialist dentists, and subspecialist dentists who served in the DTPK area, especially those practicing at government-owned health facilities.

The determination of the region to receive allowances is prioritized for areas with limited access to health services, lack of medical personnel, and regions that require affirmative intervention from the central government.

In addition to special allowances, doctors will also have the opportunity to receive tiered training and career coaching as part of efforts to improve the quality of health services in the region.

In the Presidential Decree, it is emphasized that special allowances are given in addition to the basic salary and other employee allowances in accordance with applicable regulations.

The government also encourages the active role of local governments in supporting this policy, especially regarding the provision of supporting facilities such as housing, transportation, logistics, and security for medical personnel serving in the 3T area.