TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government is determined to raise the premium of the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) despite rejections from legislators. The Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister, Puan Maharani, stressed that her ministry is currently drafting a presidential regulation, which will be the legal umbrella of the premium hike.

“Yes, [the policy is] already available. It’s already in process. [It’ll be completed] soon, hopefully, before October,” said Puan in the Presidential Office, Wednesday, September 4.

Puan also asserted that there is no decision on the matter of the proposed rate. “We’ll review the rate later. We’ll see whether it is in accordance with the DPR recommendation or it’s required more study,” she added.

When asked about rejections from the legislative, Puan said there is still time to improve the management of the health insurance company based on the recommendation of the House of Representatives (DPR).

“The insurance class adjustment will be valid next year, on January 1, 2020. So there is still time to execute the conclusions of the DPR meeting, such as data cleansing,” she said.

Puan asserted that the Health Ministry and the insurance firm will conduct various improvements as recommended by DPR and the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) before the premium adjustment.

According to her, the planned premium hike initiated by the government is relevant to curb the deficit. Besides, the BPJS Kesehatan premium has not been raised for the last 5 years.

BISNIS | FRISKI RIANA