Health Minister Laments He Has No Control over BPJS Kesehatan

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto lamented that he had no control over the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan).

In response to the increase in contribution rates for Non-Wage Participants and Non-Class III Workers, Terawan clarified that the decision is entirely BPJS’ choice.

“With that being said,the discretion is with the BPJS, not the government, because I don't have any control to force. Since it’s not there, it’s a hassle. As the Minister of Health (Menkes), I am confused,” said Terawan in a joint meeting with the House of Representatives Commission IX at the Parliament Complex, in Jakarta, on Monday, January 20, 2020.

According to Terawan, without the control, the rules he has made for BPJS Kesehatan stands not in compulsory; the same is true with the budget.

Although the budget for BPJS Kesehatan has been submitted through the Ministry of Health, Terawan remains unaware of the report on the use of the budget.

Furthermore, Terawan expressed his disappointment and concern due to the fact that BPJS Kesehatan not committing themselves to any of the Ministry of Health’s proposed alternative solutions.

“Similar to the members of Commission IX, I too am deeply saddened. Therefore, do allow me not to provide a solution, because I need complete data and commitment (for it to be executed).”

According to Terawan, the relationship between the Ministry of Health and BPJS Kesehatan remains only in coordination. As a result, Terawan further acknowledged that he has no power to force BPJS Kesehatan, led by Fahmi Idris, to implement his proposed solutions.

“That is indeed what is stipulated by the law. If it can be revised, it's much better. If not, who can check,” said Terawan. “In the law, either independent or external audits, even the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has no authority to examine.”

Furthermore, after the meeting, BPJS President Director Fahmi Idris has declared that BPJS Kesehatan has no intention of conflicting, defying, or deviating from the results of the meeting.

Fahmi went on to say that BPJS Kesehatan is only following the clause to carry out the results of the meeting, as in accordance with the provisions of the legislation. 

“Therefore our position is actually to carry out the results of the meeting and secure the results of the meeting in accordance with the legislation,” said Fahmi.

At the end of last year the government officially set the class I tuition rate to increase from Rp 80,000 to Rp 160,000 per participant per month. Whereas the tariff for class II tuition rises from Rp 51,000 to Rp 110,000 per participant per month.

On the other hand, the class III tuition fees rose from Rp 25,500 to Rp 42,000 per participant per month. These price increases will be in practice by early 2020.

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