DPD RI Member Stevi Harman Honoured with Sekar Agni Negeri Award for Rural Healthcare Efforts
Her dedication to rural healthcare, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, has earned DPD RI member Stevi Harman the Sekar Agni Negeri Appreciation Award from detik.com. The award was given in recognition of her significant efforts and dedication to improving healthcare access for remote communities.
Dr. Maria Caecilia Stevi Harman expressed pride in the recognition, stating: “This is certainly an honour and a source of pride, as well as a responsibility for the appreciation I have received,” she told reporters in Jakarta.
“I consider this award to be the highest honour I have received, a true privilege. This also motivates me to continue working to ensure healthcare in NTT is effectively addressed, keeping the people of NTT healthy.”
Stevi Harman received the award for her commitment to rural healthcare access. Maria Caecilia Stevi Harman, known as Stevi Harman, is a member of DPD RI Committee III, which handles health, education, social welfare, and child protection.
Stevi Harman has a medical background, having earned her medical degree from the University of Indonesia and pursued medical research at Monash University in Australia.
Stevi Harman’s concern for rural healthcare access stems from her internship experiences. Working at SK Lerik Kupang, Pasir Panjang Community Health Centre, and Manutapen Community Health Centre opened her eyes to the realities of healthcare services in remote areas. She recognised that health issues are rooted in social and economic conditions.
Her commitment to healthcare access continues as a member of DPD RI Committee III. Stevi Harman has consistently highlighted healthcare issues in NTT, particularly among low-income residents who struggle to optimally utilise BPJS Health services due to administrative hurdles from unsynchronised data integration. This impedes their access to healthcare, prompting Stevi Harman to advocate for improvements to ensure targeted and widespread healthcare services. (H-2)