Jakarta. The government has disbursed Rp 20 trillion ($1.2 billion) to clear overdue contributions for Class 3 members of universal health coverage BPJS Kesehatan, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Thursday.

The funds have already been transferred to BPJS Kesehatan and are awaiting formal implementation through a presidential regulation, which will serve as the legal basis for the program.

“The allocation has been approved. We are just waiting for the detailed regulation. But the money has already been sent to BPJS, so they can use it at any time,” Purbaya told reporters in Jakarta.

Earlier, BPJS Kesehatan President Director Ali Ghufron Mukti said the agency had completed technical preparations but could not roll out the debt-clearing program until the government issues the official regulation.

BPJS estimates that potential arrears eligible for write-offs total Rp14.12 trillion, affecting more than 23 million participants. The final amount to be erased, however, will depend on the government’s formal decision.

“The receivables amount to Rp 14 trillion if everything is waived, but we will wait for the government’s announcement,” Ali said.

He stressed that not all members will automatically qualify for debt relief. The program will prioritize participants from low-income households. Those outside the priority group must submit a formal application and pay part of their outstanding contributions to be considered for partial forgiveness.

Add as a preferred source on Google +