Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government has allocated hundreds of trillions of rupiah to overhaul the national healthcare system between 2027 and 2029.
The initiative includes renovating 8,001 community health centers (puskesmas), building 1,988 new puskesmas, and revitalizing 441 Regional General Hospitals (RSUD) across Indonesia.
Deputy Health Minister Benyamin Paulus Octavianus said in a statement released here on Thursday that constructing new health centers aims to alleviate the service burden in densely populated areas.
“Moving forward, healthcare spending must shift from hospital treatment to primary care prevention,” Octavianus remarked while inaugurating the West Denpasar Puskesmas Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) III in Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday (October 6).
Starting in 2027, the Health Ministry will prioritize upgrading severely degraded infrastructure under this national revitalization program. This includes deploying mobile X-ray units to all community health centers.
In Bali alone, 119 community health centers will undergo renovation, and four severely damaged centers will be completely rebuilt. Additionally, seven centers serving over 60,000 residents will be divided to optimize service.
However, the deputy minister emphasized the critical need for human resource readiness to match the rapid modernization of medical facilities.
“Purchasing medical equipment can be done quickly, but producing professionals like radiographers and specialist doctors takes time. Equipment procurement and human resource preparation must go hand in hand to realize excellent service,” he explained.
He highlighted the West Denpasar Puskesmas UPTD III as a prime example of successful regional transformation, turning a former flea market and temporary waste dump into an inclusive healthcare facility.
Denpasar Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa said the 24-hour facility offers basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care. It also integrates with the civil registration agency to directly issue birth certificates.
“We want to ensure that every mother and child receives safe, comfortable, and accommodating services without discrimination,” Arya stated.
Denpasar Health Office Head Anak Agung Ayu Agung Candrawati added the center is fully integrated with the National Health Insurance Program (BPJS Kesehatan). Its 24-hour emergency service supports equitable healthcare across Bali.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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