MUI and BPJS Kesehatan Strengthen Synergy, Encourage the Faithful to Realise the Importance of Mutual Cooperation

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BALIKPAPAN—The cooperation between the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and BPJS Kesehatan is deemed increasingly vital in advancing the health quality of the faithful.

Chairman of the BPJS Kesehatan Sharia Advisory Council, KH M Cholil Nafis, asserted that the synergy between the two institutions encompasses a broad scope, from social aspects to national health insurance.

“To solidify the cooperation between MUI and BPJS, the scope is clear. We have a community and social responsibilities. Meanwhile, BPJS ensures health. The question is, how can our community stay healthy,” stated Kiai Cholil, in front of dozens of policymakers and religious figures, during the Synergy Engagement Programme for National Health Insurance, at the MUI Balikpapan City Building, on Monday (4/5/2026).

According to him, health serves as the primary foundation for carrying out life’s activities, including worship. He emphasised that good physical condition directly impacts the quality of one’s devotion.

“Health is the basis of all our activities and benefits. If I am ill, it is impossible for me to attend and be active as I am now. Therefore, health must be maintained,” he said.

Kiai Cholil also linked the importance of health to the performance of prayer. He explained that the perfection of prayer movements is greatly influenced by a person’s physical condition.

“Perfect prayer is also due to health. The sign of a healthy person can be seen from their prayer movements—the bowing is straight, the prostration is correct, the sitting in tashahhud is perfect. Meanwhile, those who are unhealthy often cannot perform the movements well, for example, tilting or even unable to stand,” he clarified.

Furthermore, he assessed that the collaboration between MUI and BPJS Kesehatan can strengthen public education on the importance of maintaining health as part of religious teachings.

In addition, this cooperation also encourages public compliance in participating in the National Health Insurance (JKN) programme.

Meanwhile, BPJS Kesehatan emphasised the importance of collaboration with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and community leaders to increase collective awareness in paying contributions.

Director of Membership at BPJS Kesehatan, Akmal Budi Yulianto, highlighted the still high number of inactive participants as the main challenge to the programme’s sustainability.

“We at BPJS Kesehatan feel the need to continue working hand in hand with MUI and organisations under MUI. BPJS Kesehatan is a legal entity with a mandate that is quite significant, heavy, and noble,” stated Akmal.