JKN on the Brink? Tens of Thousands of Lampung Residents Face Losing Health Coverage as BPJS Sounds the Alarm and Calls for Immediate Action

KABAR NEGERI PLUS | BANDAR LAMPUNG

Behind what may appear to be routine administrative figures lies a growing humanitarian concern for thousands of families across Indonesia’s . Beginning July 1, 2026, tens of thousands of participants in Indonesia’s National Health Insurance (JKN) program are at risk of losing their health coverage due to shrinking regional government budgets. Unless urgent action is taken, many low-income and vulnerable residents could be left without access to essential medical services when they need them most.

The warning was delivered by the BPJS Kesehatan Bandar Lampung Branch during a media forum, where officials revealed that the sustainability of the JKN program in Lampung has entered a critical stage as several local governments struggle to finance premium contributions for beneficiaries under the Contribution Assistance Recipient (PBI) scheme.

Head of the BPJS Kesehatan Bandar Lampung Branch, Herman Indratmo, explained that the challenge extends beyond Lampung. Across Indonesia, at least five provinces and 66 regencies and municipalities have experienced a decline in their Universal Health Coverage (UHC) status as a result of fiscal tightening and reduced regional financial capacity to support JKN membership.

Lampung, however, has become one of the provinces most severely affected. Once ranked 35th nationally in UHC achievement, the province has now dropped to 37th out of Indonesia’s 38 provinces, signaling mounting pressure on public health protection.

“This is a major challenge for all of us. It is not only the responsibility of BPJS Kesehatan, but also regional governments, local legislatures, the media, civil society organizations, and every stakeholder to ensure that people continue to receive health protection,” Herman emphasized.

The situation becomes even more alarming with the planned deactivation of approximately 12,000 regional PBI participants in starting July 1, 2026. In , the number is estimated to reach 62,000 participants.

This is not the first wave of deactivations. Earlier in January 2026, had already removed approximately 102,000 JKN participants from active coverage because of budget constraints.

In just six months, more than 176,000 residents across three regencies in Lampung have been affected by reductions in regional JKN financing. The figures underscore that the issue is far more than an administrative adjustment—it directly concerns the fundamental right of citizens to healthcare.

BPJS Kesehatan warned that the greatest impact will be felt by patients undergoing continuous treatment, particularly those suffering from chronic illnesses who depend heavily on uninterrupted access to healthcare services. Losing active JKN status could jeopardize their treatment if immediate solutions are not implemented.

Despite the challenges, BPJS Kesehatan assured the public that healthcare services would continue. Cooperation agreements with the governments of South Lampung and Pringsewu have been renewed following the signing of new partnership agreements. However, limited regional financial resources mean that not all beneficiaries can remain actively enrolled.

Adding to the concern, BPJS Kesehatan disclosed that as of mid-2026, the still has outstanding premium obligations totaling approximately Rp105.4 billion for the January–June 2026 period.

Even with these significant arrears, BPJS reaffirmed that hospital claim payments remain its top priority to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.

“We guarantee that hospitals will continue to be paid so that people can still receive medical care. However, we hope all stakeholders will work together to find sustainable financing solutions for the JKN program,” Herman said.

During the forum, BPJS Kesehatan also emphasized the strategic role of the media in maintaining public trust in the National Health Insurance program. According to Herman, reports of service challenges often spread faster than the millions of success stories and benefits experienced by JKN participants throughout the country.

For that reason, BPJS encouraged media organizations to publish more educational content, inspiring stories, and real-life testimonials from beneficiaries to strengthen public understanding and health literacy.

Responding to the appeal, Yuli Fransyah, Director of Kabar Negeri Plus, pledged the news organization’s full commitment to supporting efforts to safeguard the JKN program through balanced, educational, and public-oriented journalism.

According to Yuli, the media’s responsibility extends beyond reporting problems—it must also help create space for collaboration and constructive solutions.

Kabar Negeri Plus expressed its readiness to collaborate with BPJS Kesehatan through in-depth reporting, digital media publications, social media campaigns, podcasts, and the dissemination of beneficiary testimonials to increase public awareness of citizens’ rights, responsibilities, and the importance of preserving Indonesia’s national health insurance system.

The media outlet also committed to encouraging regional governments to strengthen budget allocations for JKN so that public health protection remains secure despite ongoing fiscal challenges.

The meeting concluded with a powerful message: saving the National Health Insurance program is not solely the responsibility of BPJS Kesehatan. It requires coordinated action from the central government, regional administrations, local legislatures, civil society organizations, labor unions, the media, and the public to ensure that no citizen loses access to healthcare because of administrative issues or financial limitations.

Because behind every deactivated JKN membership card lies a family’s hope, a patient’s future, and a fundamental right that the state has an obligation to protect.

(Dok.KN +Admin)