Ministry of Health Clarifies Regulations Following Viral Promotion of Singaporean Doctor in Bali Hospital
A hospital in Bali has gone viral after promoting a doctor from Singapore practicing at its facility. The post has sparked debate regarding the quality of Indonesian doctors and the regulations governing foreign medical practitioners in the country.
Aji Muhawarman, Head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information at the Ministry of Health, addressed the issue of foreign doctors practising in Indonesia. He stated that the utilisation of foreign doctors and medical personnel is regulated under Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, Government Regulation Number 28 of 2024, and Minister of Health Regulation Number 13 of 2025 regarding the Management of Health Human Resources.
Aji explained that foreign medical professionals practising in Indonesia must meet specific qualifications. These include requirements for specialists and sub-specialists, while health workers must possess qualifications equivalent to Level 8 of the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI).
In addition to qualifications, other requirements must be met, including utilisation protocols, competency evaluations, and necessary documentation. Under existing regulations, healthcare facilities may request foreign medical and health personnel based on their specific needs. One key requirement is that foreign professionals must have a minimum of three years of professional practice experience in their respective field of competence.
The practice period for foreign doctors is limited to two years, with an option for a single extension for another two years, except within Special Economic Zones (KEK), where practice permits are valid for five years. Aji noted that the Bali hospital in question is one of several facilities utilising the provisions of the Health Law. This initiative aims to bring in foreign specialists to complement international-standard healthcare services in Indonesia. This regulation also applies to other hospitals wishing to employ foreign medical personnel, provided they meet all established criteria.
“To date, there are five healthcare facilities currently utilising foreign nationals, namely Bali International Hospital (KEK Sanur), Alster Lake Clinic (KEK Sanur), The Solitaire Klinik (KEK Sanur), Soul Plastic Surgery Clinic (KEK Banten), and Klinik Soul Jakarta Plastic Surgery (KEK Banten),” Aji stated.
He further clarified that the presence of foreign doctors in Indonesia is not intended to replace Indonesian doctors, but rather to augment healthcare capacity, accelerate the transfer of knowledge and technology, and improve public access to high-quality specialist healthcare services.