Jakarta targets cleft lip surgeries for 500 patients by 2027

The Jakarta Provincial Government aims to provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries for 500 patients by 2027 as part of an effort to bring healthcare services closer to the community. “The target is that by 2027, 500 patients can be served through this surgery programme,” said the Assistant for People’s Welfare of Jakarta Province, Ali Maulana Hakim, during a speech at RSUD Tebet, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Ali noted that cleft lip surgeries are not entirely covered by BPJS (the national healthcare scheme). Consequently, this programme is being organised free of charge, involving specialist doctors who have extensive experience in handling thousands of similar cases.

According to Ali, these surgeries are vital not only for the patients’ physical health—such as improving speech abilities and eating patterns for better overall health—but also for their psychosocial well-being. “As patients grow into adulthood and interact with society, this condition often leads to feelings of insecurity. Therefore, community support is greatly needed to reassure those who may feel hesitant or worried to participate in this programme,” he said.

Ali detailed that there are currently 13 patients at RSUD Tebet and 17 patients at RSUD Cempaka Putih, with a total of 30 patients currently being treated. Following the procedure, patients are generally allowed to go home immediately, with surgeries lasting between 30 minutes to one hour depending on complexity. If further follow-up is required, patients will be referred to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM).

The programme accepts a wide range of patients, from infants to adults, originating from various regions including Papua, Tangerang, Cilegon, and Banten. As such, the programme is open to all Indonesian citizens regardless of age or region. According to Ministry of Health data, cases of cleft lip and palate in Indonesia reach approximately 7,500 cases per year.