Jakarta. The success of Indonesia’s National Health Insurance (JKN) program continues to draw international attention. A delegation from several African countries, representing the L’Afrique qui ose – Afrique Challenge Group, visited state insurer BPJS Kesehatan headquarters on Friday to learn firsthand how Indonesia manages one of the world’s largest universal health coverage schemes, now serving 282.92 million participants.

BPJS Kesehatan President Director Ghufron Mukti welcomed the delegates, noting Indonesia’s long journey to provide comprehensive health protection for its population.

“It has not been easy for Indonesia to ensure health insurance for all residents. But with strong commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders, more than 98 percent of Indonesians are now covered under JKN and have achieved UHC status,” Ghufron said.

He highlighted how service quality transformation under the JKN program has raised the national standard for health insurance services. Health, he reiterated, is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution.

“As of Nov. 1, 2025, BPJS Kesehatan has partnered with more than 23,649 primary healthcare facilities and 3,170 referral hospitals nationwide. From our establishment in 2014 through the end of 2024, we have disbursed Rp 1,087 trillion ($65.3 billion) for JKN participants’ healthcare services,” he explained.

Digital transformation, Ghufron added, is a key foundation supporting service quality improvements. BPJS Kesehatan has introduced various innovations, including allowing JKN members to access services using only their National Identity Number (NIK), eliminating the need for physical cards or document copies.

He also pointed to the Mobile JKN app, which offers convenient access to administrative services, online queuing, health risk screening features, and the i-Care JKN platform. Participants can also access administrative services remotely via WhatsApp at 08118165165 or through the BPJS Kesehatan Care Center 165.

“With these innovations, JKN services are now easier, faster, and more equitable. This transformation reflects BPJS Kesehatan’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the JKN program,” Ghufron said. He added that the agency’s Performance Management Center helps monitor and evaluate program implementation, tracking millions of daily transactions across healthcare facilities.

Alioune Gueye, CEO of L’Afrique qui ose, expressed admiration for Indonesia’s achievement in building the JKN ecosystem and providing health protection for all citizens. He said Indonesia has shown that successful health insurance systems depend not only on funding but also on vision, leadership, and the ability to build a strong service ecosystem.

“Achieving UHC within a decade is extremely challenging, yet Indonesia accomplished it remarkably well, even faster than many other countries. Despite a large population, BPJS Kesehatan has managed to deliver equitable healthcare coverage for everyone,” Alioune said.

He also highlighted BPJS Kesehatan’s digital transformation as a key factor behind JKN’s rapid development, noting its use of artificial intelligence, data integration, and digitalized administrative processes.

“We are very impressed by how BPJS Kesehatan leverages technology to enhance service quality. The Mobile JKN app is a major innovation that brings real convenience to participants. I also see the i-Care JKN feature as a breakthrough, allowing doctors to access a patient’s service history for more accurate and timely treatment,” he added.

According to Alioune, the JKN ecosystem built by BPJS Kesehatan could serve as a model for many countries. He said Indonesians should be proud of the program, which provides strong financial protection even during times of illness.