BPJS Health Deficit, DPR Urges Government To Take Alert Steps

Chairman of Commission VII DPR RI Saleh Partaonan Daulay when interviewed in Padang, Friday (6/12/2024). (DOC. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The BPJS Kesehatan deficit, which is estimated to have a deficit of IDR 20 trillion in 2024, needs to be watched out for by the government, said Chairman of Commission 7 of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Saleh Partaonan Daulay.

According to him, if the government does not anticipate it immediately, this deficit will continue at the next time and year. In a certain period of time, it is even possible that there will be defaults.

"At that time, the Managing Director of BPJS Kesehatan stated that the main cause of the deficit was an increase in the utilization of health services in hospitals. More and more patients came to the hospital along with the increasing public trust in BPJS Kesehatan," Saleh said, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, January 11.

"The more patients who come, the greater the cost that must be paid to health facilities. Meanwhile, the source of income does not increase. In fact, many BPJS Kesehatan participants are not disciplined in paying dues. Of course it will also be a burden", he continued.

In that context, the government is asked to immediately find a solution. He considered that one of the solutions to be taken was to increase the participant's contribution, which was planned to be carried out in July 2025.

"Improving this contribution is certainly an less populist alternative and has the potential to cause turmoil in rejection. In fact, with the current contribution, many members of society are unable. Meanwhile, many Prabowo-Gibran programs and agendas are oriented to help and reduce the burden on society," said Saleh.

"Just to remind, currently the BPJS Kesehatan 1 contribution is Rp. 150,000, class 2 is Rp. 100,000, and class 3 is Rp. 42,000 (which is Rp. 7,000 of which is borne by the government). If you want to increase it, how much is the most appropriate figure? Then, if it has increased, will there be a guarantee that you will continue to avoid the threat of a deficit?" he continued

For this reason, the relevant government elements are expected to be able to conduct an in-depth and strategic study. He also asked the government to find solutions and benefits without causing problems.

Saleh ensured that this deficit would definitely occur and threaten in the years to come. Therefore, the sooner it is anticipated, the better it will be.

"We appreciate BPJS Kesehatan's performance. There is an increase in the number of participants by more than 98 percent. Public trust is also getting better. Therefore, do not let the service go down because the budget is not balanced," he concluded.