After a Year Battling Thyroid Issues, Ahmad Relies on JKN PBPU BP Pemda for Treatment
The still-cold morning air did not deter Ahmad Sugiri (58). After dawn prayers, the resident of Widoro Wetan hamlet, Bunder Village, Patuk District, Gunungkidul, rode his motorcycle to an Advanced Referral Health Facility (FKRTL) in the Kalasan area of Sleman, approximately 20 kilometres from his home. The nearly hour-long journey has become his monthly routine over the past year. Ahmad must undergo health check-ups for a lump in his neck diagnosed as a thyroid disorder. “The doctor said it’s thyroid. So I routinely have check-ups at the internal medicine polyclinic,” he said when met on Monday (8/6/2026).
As a participant in the National Health Insurance (JKN) programme under the segment for Non-Wage Earners and Non-Local Government Workers (PBPU BP Pemda), Ahmad admitted he is greatly helped by the ease of services currently available. One such service 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 at the FKRTL. But now, with the help of one of his children, the registration process has become 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 must travel quite a distance to obtain healthcare services, Ahmad admitted he has never minded. According to him, the benefits obtained are far greater, especially since all medical costs are covered by the JKN Programme. “Since I first became a JKN participant, I have never paid a single penny for treatment. It is 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 residency transfer to the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Ahmad was finally able to re-register as a JKN participant under 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 the 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 bothered him when eating, has begun to show positive progress after undergoing regular treatment. “In the past, eating felt uncomfortable. Now it is much better,” he said. Each time he has a check-up, Ahmad receives four types of medication that must be taken regularly. He admitted to being 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 it will certainly be for my own good,” he concluded.