Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Inspects RSUD Yowari Health Services, Emphasises Service Improvements
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Ribka Haluk inspected healthcare services at RSUD Yowari general hospital in Sentani, Jayapura District, Papua. During the visit, Ribka met with individual patients at the Emergency Department to ensure healthcare services were functioning properly.
Numerous patients raised various complaints ranging from initial treatment access, inpatient care services, to BPJS Health insurance issues. Ribka also directly reviewed medical equipment conditions and supporting facilities, such as toilets throughout the hospital grounds. She stressed the importance of comprehensive improvement, particularly in basic public services.
“I am requesting that patient services become the top priority. Within five minutes of a patient’s arrival, action must already be underway. We serve the person first; administrative matters can follow,” Ribka stated in a written statement on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
She also emphasised that improvements should target not only medical services but overall hospital management. According to her, in healthcare, hospitals represent the last place where communities can place their hopes.
“Therefore, we must improve service management and service quality comprehensively,” she added.
During the occasion, Ribka also distributed assistance in the form of chairs for patient companions and pillows to enhance patient comfort during treatment.
Additionally, as part of supporting the Indonesia Safe, Healthy, Clean and Beautiful (ASRI) movement, Ribka distributed cleaning equipment to be used in community service activities at RSUD Yowari.
“Cleanliness is paramount in improving public health quality. We must consistently carry out community service work, both in workplaces and in the community,” she stated.
She also reminded all parties of the importance of their involvement in maintaining hospital cleanliness and environment. According to her, this responsibility does not rest solely with the government but also involves the private sector and community. All parties must play an active role in creating a clean and healthy environment.
Ribka commended the hospital’s prompt action in following up the working visit by organising cleaning activities and community service work. She valued the effort and noted it should be sustained.
Furthermore, Ribka affirmed the Ministry of Home Affairs’ commitment to supporting improvements at RSUD Yowari as a referral hospital in Papua. The ministry would soon hold a meeting with all stakeholders to find solutions to various existing issues.
She has also coordinated with the Ministry of Health regarding this support. Ribka hopes that through synergy between regional government, healthcare workers, and all stakeholders, service quality at RSUD Yowari can continue to improve to provide the best services to the community.
“We will hold a comprehensive meeting to examine all issues and seek solutions together, as we have been in intensive communication with the central government to support regional areas,” she concluded.
Also present at the inspection were Deputy Governor of Papua Aryoko Alberto Ferdinand Rumaropen, Secretary of Papua Provincial Administration Lukas Christian Sohilait, Jayapura Regent Yunus Wonda, Head of the Steering Board for Accelerating Special Autonomy Development of Papua (BP3OKP) Albert Yoku, and RSUD Yowari Director along with doctors, management, and nursing staff.
Also present were representatives from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), BPJS Papua, Jayapura Police Chief, and the Head of Health Office for Papua Province and Jayapura District.