Economic Difficulties: Planned Increase in BPJS Kesehatan Contributions Seen as Burden on Public

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Irma Suryani Chaniago, has stated that the planned increase in BPJS Kesehatan contributions will likely burden the public, especially given the current economic difficulties.

“In the current economic situation, where many people are struggling, this increase will undoubtedly add to their burden,” Irma said when contacted on Wednesday (25/2/2026).

Irma mentioned that Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives had previously cautioned against increasing BPJS Kesehatan contributions when the government launched the KRIS (Kelas Rawat Inap Standar - Standard Inpatient Class) programme.

“Because if there is an adjustment to one class, there will inevitably be an adjustment to the tariffs, and this will undoubtedly affect participants in class 3,” she said.

Previously, the Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, stated that the plan to increase BPJS contributions could no longer be postponed because BPJS Kesehatan has consistently faced a deficit.

“BPJS is currently facing a deficit of Rp 20 to Rp 30 trillion. This will be covered this year from the central government budget of Rp 20 trillion, but this will happen every year (the deficit),” Budi said when met at the Ministry of Health office in South Jakarta on Wednesday.

However, the government has not yet announced how much the BPJS Kesehatan contribution rates will increase.

“This premium increase will only affect the middle to upper class, who currently pay Rp 42,000 per month. The middle to upper class, like journalists, pay Rp 42,000 per month, so they should be able to afford it. Men spend more than Rp 42,000 per month on cigarettes,” Budi said.

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