Ibas on BPJS Health: No One Should Fear Seeking Medical Treatment

Vice Chair of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) and Chair of the Democratic Party Faction in the People’s Representative Council (DPR RI), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), has emphasised the importance of a robust national health insurance system for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He made these remarks during the BPJS Health Recesses Point activity in 2026 in Madiun on Friday, 27 February.

Ibas stated that the spirit of mutual cooperation underpinning BPJS Health aligns with values of care during the holy month of Ramadan. According to him, health protection for informal sector workers and MSMEs must be a priority to maintain the economic productivity of ordinary people.

“BPJS is a concrete manifestation of the nation’s mutual cooperation. The healthy assist the sick, the strong support the weak. MSMEs are small candles illuminating Indonesia, and BPJS is the protector of their light,” said Ibas.

Although BPJS Health membership has surpassed 260 million people, Ibas noted several major challenges that persist. These include the level of awareness in paying premiums on time and understanding of programme benefits, particularly among rural communities and informal workers.

He paid special attention to Eid cake entrepreneurs who are now driving seasonal economic activity. Ibas hopes that no families fall into poverty or fear seeking medical checks simply due to cost constraints.

“Health is not a burden, but an investment. We must ensure that no UMKM operator fears seeking treatment and no family falls into poverty because of illness,” said Ibas.

To expand health insurance coverage, Ibas encouraged closer synergy between local governments, BPJS Health, and business communities. He requested that membership registration procedures for MSMEs be simplified and socialisation efforts be intensified to village level.

Ibas reminded that social justice through health insurance represents a genuine implementation of the Four Pillars of the People’s Consultative Assembly. He is optimistic that with health assured, MSMEs will grow stronger and public welfare will improve sustainably.