Focus on Health and Social Issues: Dr Stevi Harman's Contributions in the DPD RI
The figure in question is Dr Maria Caecilia Stevi Harman. Starting from a background as a doctor, she is now a member of the DPD RI from Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). She is a member of Committee III of the DPD RI, which covers health, education, social welfare, and child protection.
Stevi earned her General Practitioner degree (S1) from Universitas Indonesia (UI). She then continued her studies in Medical Research at Monash University, Australia. She is also the daughter of Benny K. Harman, a member of Commission III of the DPR RI from F-Demokrat.
Her experience in the medical world forms an important foundation in her career journey. During her internship as a general practitioner at SK Lerik Kupang, Pasir Panjang Health Centre, and Manutapen Health Centre, she directly faced realities on the ground. This experience shaped her perspective in viewing issues more broadly, not only from a medical angle but also policy.
“I am not merely inheriting a family surname; I am inheriting a great moral responsibility to dissect society’s social ills with the instrument of public policy,” she stated in a written remark on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
At those primary healthcare facilities, she not only handled patients clinically but also saw broader issues. She found that many health problems are rooted in the social and economic conditions of the community.
Furthermore, she learned that a misdiagnosis in one patient can have fatal consequences. She then applied this principle to a broader realm. She assesses that errors in formulating public policy can also have a significant impact on society, especially in areas like NTT that still face limitations in access to basic services.
From this experience, Stevi does not stop at ideas at the policy level. She also promotes various initiatives that directly touch the community as part of efforts to provide more concrete solutions.
Empowering Youth in West Manggarai
One of them is evident from her involvement in photography and videography training for young people in West Manggarai. This programme was held in response to the prevalence of sexual violence cases among the younger generation.
Through this training, participants not only learn basic techniques for taking photos and videos but are also encouraged to use visual media as a means of education and social campaigning. This approach is expected to increase awareness while providing positive expression space for young people.
With those skills, they are encouraged to be more active in voicing issues in their surroundings, while contributing to creating a safer environment.
Spotlighting BPJS Access and Data Integration
In addition to social issues, Stevi also pays attention to problems with access to healthcare services that remain a challenge for the community, especially in NTT.
She highlights that many underprivileged residents still cannot optimally utilise BPJS Kesehatan services. One cause is administrative obstacles, particularly related to data integration that is not yet fully synchronised.
This condition directly impacts the community that should be beneficiaries but instead face barriers when accessing healthcare services. In practice, not a few residents end up struggling to obtain services even though they are registered in the health insurance programme.
According to her, this issue shows that the existing system still needs improvement, especially in terms of validation and synchronisation of data between agencies. With such improvements, it is hoped that healthcare services can be more targeted and truly reach those in need.