Jakarta. As Indonesians return to their daily routines after Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, health experts are urging the public to reset their lifestyles — starting with what they eat and drink — to protect kidney health.

The festive season often brings changes in dietary habits, from increased consumption of salty foods to sugary beverages. While part of the celebration, these habits can take a toll on the body if prolonged, particularly on the kidneys, which play a crucial role in filtering toxins and maintaining fluid balance.

According to Dr. Jonny, an internal medicine specialist and kidney-hypertension consultant, the period after Ramadan presents an ideal opportunity to restore healthy habits.

“Water should once again become the primary choice. Meanwhile, high-salt foods and sweet drinks need to be limited to avoid overburdening the kidneys,” he said.

Dr. Jonny, who previously served as head of internal medicine at RSPAD Gatot Soebroto, explained that excessive salt and sugar intake can increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Over time, these conditions may lead to hypertension and diabetes—two of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease.

A Growing Health and Economic Concern

Recent data from BPJS Kesehatan highlight the rising burden of kidney-related illnesses in Indonesia. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of participants receiving kidney-related healthcare services nearly doubled, while total cases surged significantly.

Healthcare costs have followed the same trajectory, with verified claims for kidney disease climbing from Rp5.72 trillion to Rp10.35 trillion over the period. Cumulatively, the system has handled tens of millions of cases, reflecting the scale of the challenge.

Hemodialysis remains the dominant treatment, accounting for the largest share of both utilization and cost. The number of patients undergoing dialysis has risen steadily, underscoring the increasing demand for advanced-stage treatment.

Other therapies, such as Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), are also growing, albeit at a slower pace, while kidney transplant procedures remain limited.

These trends point to a critical need for stronger preventive measures to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease before it reaches advanced stages requiring intensive treatment.

Prevention Starts Early

Dr. Jonny stressed that many of the rising cases are not entirely new, but rather the result of worsening conditions among patients with pre-existing kidney issues. This makes early intervention and consistent monitoring essential.

“Promotive and preventive efforts are key, especially at primary healthcare facilities,” he said. “Simple steps like maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, regularly checking blood pressure and blood sugar, and conducting basic urine tests can help detect problems early.”

With timely intervention, he added, the progression of kidney disease can be slowed or even prevented, reducing the need for hospital-based treatments and improving patients’ quality of life.

Reset for Better Health

As the post-holiday period marks a return to normalcy, it also offers a valuable moment for reflection and reset. By making conscious choices—drinking enough water, moderating sugar and salt intake, and adopting healthier daily habits—individuals can take meaningful steps toward protecting their kidney health.

In the long run, these small but consistent actions not only support personal well-being but also help ease the broader healthcare burden, ensuring a healthier future for all.