Fitofarmaka Included in BPJS Kesehatan Coverage, Commission IX Stresses Scientific Evidence
Member of Commission IX DPR RI, Netty Prasetiyani Aher, has expressed support for the government’s plan to include certain herbal medicines in the BPJS Kesehatan financing scheme. She stated that the policy could strategically strengthen national health sector independence and boost the development of the domestic herbal industry based on scientific research.
Netty noted Indonesia’s significant potential for developing herbal medicines due to its biodiversity and long-standing traditional herbal practices.
“Indonesia possesses abundant biodiversity and traditional herbal medicine practices. However, to be included in the national healthcare system and BPJS financing, scientific standards, safety, and efficacy must be the top priority,” Netty said in a statement on Saturday (30 May).
She cautioned that not all herbal or jamu products would automatically receive BPJS Kesehatan coverage, stressing only those meeting scientific standards should be part of national healthcare services.
Netty supported the stance of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), which prioritises fitofarmaka products that have undergone clinical trials and have strong scientific evidence for inclusion in the National Health Insurance (JKN) system.
“Let’s not let the public misunderstand that all jamu will be covered by BPJS. The focus should be on products thoroughly tested scientifically, safe, and beneficial for patients,” she said.
The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician added that the policy could drive the national herbal medicine industry, which has faced challenges, particularly in research funding and product development.
“Developing fitofarmaka requires substantial investment, long timelines, and complex research processes. Therefore, the state must create an ecosystem that provides certainty for the industry without compromising patient safety,” she explained.
On another note, Netty urged stricter oversight of herbal product distribution, highlighting the presence of illegal herbal medicines containing harmful chemical ingredients.
“On one hand, we want to encourage the growth of domestic fitofarmaka, but on the other, oversight of illegal herbal products must be tightened to prevent the public from becoming victims of non-compliant health products,” she said.
Furthermore, she called for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the fitofarmaka development ecosystem, from raw material supply to healthcare application.
“We need to build an ecosystem from upstream to downstream – starting with raw material quality, production standardisation, clinical research, to healthcare professionals’ literacy on evidence-based use of herbal medicines,” she added.
She noted that including fitofarmaka in BPJS Kesehatan coverage must also consider the sustainability of JKN financing and patient medical needs.
“The primary goal of the healthcare system is patient safety and service quality. Therefore, all policies must be evidence-based and accountably governed,” she concluded.