After a Year Battling Thyroid Issues, Ahmad Relies on JKN for Treatment
Ahmad Sugiri (58), a resident of Widoro Wetan, Bunder, Patuk, Gunungkidul, rides his motorcycle to an Advanced Referral Health Facility (FKRTL) in the Kalasan area, Sleman. The nearly one-hour journey from his home has become a monthly routine over the past year. Ahmad must undergo health check-ups due to a lump in his neck diagnosed as a thyroid disorder.
“The doctor said it’s a thyroid issue. So I have routine check-ups at the internal medicine polyclinic,” Ahmad stated on Wednesday (17/6/2026).
As a participant in the JKN Programme under the segment for Non-Wage Earners and Non-Local Government Workers (PBPU BP Pemda), Ahmad admitted he has been greatly helped by the various service conveniences available. One of these is the Mobile JKN application, which allows him to take a queue number from home before arriving at the FKRTL. Previously, Ahmad often received a high queue number because he had to register in person. Now, with the help of one of his children, the registration process is easier and faster.
“Now I can register for the queue via the Mobile JKN app. My queue number can be below 20, so it’s more comfortable,” he said.
Although he has to travel quite a distance to get health services, Ahmad admitted he has never minded. According to him, the benefits obtained are far greater because all treatment costs are covered by the JKN Programme.
“Since I first became a JKN participant, I have never spent any money on treatment at all. It’s very helpful, everything is free,” explained the father of four.
This assistance became very meaningful after he lost his job. Previously, Ahmad worked as a factory labourer out of town and was registered as a JKN participant through the company where he worked. However, after the factory closed, his membership automatically ended. After returning to Patuk and arranging his population transfer to the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Ahmad was finally re-registered as a JKN participant in the PBPU BP Pemda segment.
“Alhamdulillah, after registering, I immediately received contribution assistance from the government. At that time, I had indeed just lost my job, so it was very helpful,” he said.
Currently, Ahmad is still undergoing routine check-ups at the internal medicine polyclinic. Previously, he had received treatment from a surgical specialist based on a referral from the First Level Health Facility (FKTP).
“Then the surgical specialist recommended seeing an internal medicine specialist first. I just followed the doctor’s advice,” he revealed.
He is grateful that his health condition is now improving. The lump in his neck, which once caused discomfort when eating, has begun to show positive progress after undergoing regular treatment.
“In the past, eating felt uncomfortable. Now it’s much better,” he said.
At each check-up, Ahmad receives four types of medication that must be taken regularly. He admitted he is disciplined in undergoing treatment and has never missed a check-up schedule set by the doctor. Even if surgery is required at some point, Ahmad stated he is ready to follow the medical team’s recommendations for his recovery.
“If later the surgical specialist recommends surgery, I will also comply. Because that is certainly for my own good,” he concluded.