Building Indonesian Heart Service Independence, PERKI Promotes Comprehensive Transformation 

ASMIHA 2026 (Ist)

JAKARTA - Cardiovascular disease is still the largest cause of death in Indonesia, where heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death in Indonesia, claiming nearly 800,000 lives every year.

On the other hand, Indonesia is also facing a new challenge in the form of increased patient mobility who choose to seek health services abroad. This condition shows that the transformation of national cardiac services is no longer only dependent on technological advances and clinical competence, but also on the equalization of specialist personnel, the sustainability of financing, the quality of patient experience, and public confidence in the domestic health system.

Departing from these challenges, the Indonesian Heart Association (PERKI) through the ASMIHA 2026 Editorial forum held a discussion entitled "Beyond Borders: Trust, Training, and the Future of Indonesian Cardiology". This forum brings together the government, professional organizations, academics, health service providers, and community leaders to discuss the direction of the transformation of the Indonesian cardiology ecosystem as a whole.

Chairman of The 35th ASMIHA 2026, dr. Amir Aziz Alkatiri, Sp.JP(K), stated that ASMIHA 2026 was attended by around 2500 participants consisting of heart specialists, general practitioners, health workers, academics, researchers, to students from various regions in Indonesia and abroad. Compared to previous years, ASMIHA this time presents a more multidisciplinary approach by bringing together policymakers, professional organizations, health service providers, to community leaders in one discussion forum.

"Compared to previous years, ASMIHA this time carries a more multidisciplinary approach by bringing together policymakers, professional organizations, health service providers, and community leaders in one forum. ASMIHA no longer only discusses the development of cardiology science, but also strengthens the Indonesian heart service system, ranging from education of specialist doctors, equitable service, financing, to rebuilding public confidence in health services in the country," said dr. Amir.

As part of efforts to bring heart health issues closer to the general public, ASMIHA 2026 also presents Christine Hakim as a speaker in a special session. The presence of the senior actress gives a perspective of the family of heart disease patients and also serves as a form of collaboration between the medical world and public figures to increase public awareness of the importance of early detection, prevention, and maintaining heart health from an early age.

One of the main sessions of the ASMIHA Editorial discusses the challenges of transforming Indonesian cardiac services which include equitable access to services, patient trust, financing sustainability, to the welfare of health workers. In addition, this forum also highlights the phenomenon that many Indonesians still choose to seek treatment abroad. Dr. Muhammad Munawar, Sp.JP(K), Senior Cardiologist and Chairman of the Ethics Board of PERKI and Dr. Renan Sukmawan, Sp.JP(K), PhD, Chairman of the Indonesian College of Cardiology and Vascular Surgery, highlighted that the challenges are no longer solely related to clinical ability. According to the two, the competence of Indonesian cardiac doctors has been able to compete with global standards. However, the overall patient experience (patient experience) is an increasingly determining factor in building public confidence.

"The quality of service does not stop at medical actions. Transparency of communication, humanistic service, easy to understand processes, and patient experience from the first time to the completion of treatment are important parts in rebuilding public trust in Indonesian health services," he explained.

The sustainability of the financing system is also a major concern in the discussion. Major General TNI (Ret.) Dr. dr. Prihati Pujowaskito, Sp.JP(K), FIHA, MMRS explained that the increasing burden of heart disease has major consequences for financing the National Health Insurance (JKN). Therefore, a balance is needed between medical technology innovation, cost effectiveness, and evidence-based financing policies through Health Technology Assessment (HTA).

"The implementation of innovation must provide real clinical benefits while maintaining the sustainability of the national financing system. Thus, the public will still have access to the best therapy without overburdening the health system," he said.

The urgency is even more relevant considering that heart disease is still one of the catastrophic diseases with the largest financing burden in the JKN Program. BPJS Health data shows that the cost of heart disease services reaches around Rp. 12.1 trillion with around 15 million cases of services. Meanwhile, the Chairman of PP PERKI dr. Ade Meidian Ambari, Sp.JP(K), PhD underlined that the transformation of services could not run optimally without paying attention to the welfare and clear legal protection for health workers. According to him, the distribution of specialist doctors to remote areas must be accompanied by appropriate incentives, a definite career ladder, and a safe and supportive working environment, so that health workers can provide the best services sustainably.

Complementing the perspective of experts, public figure Dahlan Iskan shared his experience as a patient and observer of health services. He assessed that the key to winning the hearts of the people is not only about hospitals with the most advanced technology, but also wanting services that are easily accessible, simple bureaucracy, short waiting times, and warm communication and empathy.

"For patients, trust is built from experience. When the service feels human, people will be more confident that they can get the best service in their own country," he said.