Aceh Becomes First Province in Indonesia to Achieve Universal Health Coverage

Aceh has been declared the first province in Indonesia to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), according to the Social Security Administering Body for Health (BPJS Kesehatan). The Deputy Director of BPJS Kesehatan for Region I, Mustafa, stated that the status was achieved thanks to a strong commitment between BPJS Kesehatan and the Aceh Government to ensure all residents have access to healthcare without financial barriers. As of June 2026, participation in the National Health Insurance (JKN) programme in Aceh reached 5,445,934 people, equivalent to 95.28 percent of the province’s total population. Mustafa noted that BPJS Kesehatan and the Aceh Government continue to synergise and collaborate to maintain this UHC status. He added that healthcare claims costs in Aceh from January to June 2026 amounted to approximately IDR 2 trillion, with annual costs showing a consistent increase. The claim submission and payment process at hospitals in the province is reported to be running relatively smoothly. Aceh Secretary Muhammad Nasir said the provincial government is continuously striving to improve the quality of public services across various sectors, including health, despite limitations in special autonomy funds. He emphasised the importance of support and synergy between the central government, the House of Representatives, and local governments. The statement was made during a working visit by Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives to Banda Aceh, aimed at gathering aspirations and information regarding the implementation of health and employment programmes. Commission IX Deputy Chair M. Yahya Zaini expressed appreciation for the Aceh Government’s commitment to maintaining public health services despite a decline in regional transfer revenues.