Defence Minister Praises JKN Healthcare Service Improvements, Pushes Benefit Expansion to Villages
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has expressed appreciation for the various improvements implemented by BPJS Kesehatan in administering the National Health Insurance Programme (JKN). Sjafrie assessed that the ongoing transformation and strengthening of services demonstrated a strong commitment to providing healthcare protection for the population.
“We have observed continuous improvements by BPJS Kesehatan. Our hope is that the benefits of this programme are increasingly felt by the public, especially in areas that still struggle to access healthcare services,” said Sjafrie in a written statement on Monday, 2 March 2026.
Sjafrie also expressed hope that the strengthening of service access could be expanded to village level, for instance through BPJS Kesehatan channels within the Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP), which could collaborate with Red and White Village clinics and pharmacies.
According to Sjafrie, this approach could bring JKN programme administrative services and information closer to village communities.
As a show of support for strengthening JKN programme implementation, the Defence Ministry stated its readiness to optimise all military healthcare facilities distributed across various regions of Indonesia.
Additionally, the Pharmaceutical Institute (LAFI) under the Defence Ministry is also prepared to support the production and supply of medicines for JKN participants.
“We have a network of military healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical production capacity that can be synergised to support JKN programme sustainability,” he stressed.
Sjafrie also noted that there are currently 150 Territorial Development Battalions, which will be gradually expanded to 750 battalions.
Within each battalion there is a health company with the potential to help expand access to healthcare services and disseminate information regarding the JKN programme across Indonesia.
BPJS Kesehatan Chief Executive Officer Prihati Pujowaskito expressed gratitude and appreciation for the support provided by the Defence Ministry and the entire military hierarchy.
“We welcome the opportunity for collaboration that can be undertaken with the Defence Ministry. This synergy is highly strategic for reaching more people, including in regions with limited access,” said Pujo.
Pujo also reaffirmed BPJS Kesehatan’s commitment to continuously improve the quality of healthcare services, including for all military personnel, veterans, and their family members as JKN participants.
“Our commitment is to ensure all JKN participants receive healthcare services that are easily accessible and of high quality,” said Pujo.
Pujo expressed hope that this collaboration would further strengthen JKN programme implementation whilst providing wider and more equitable benefits for Indonesian people reaching the remotest villages.