JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia’s Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, has revealed that the government has allocated a significant portion of the national budget (APBN) to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector. As of October 2024, the healthcare budget reached IDR 147.1 trillion, reflecting a notable increase compared to the same period in 2023. This rise is largely attributed to faster procurement of health-related goods and services, which has been a key priority for the government.

A large portion of this healthcare allocation—IDR 36.8 trillion—has been earmarked for the health insurance contribution assistance (PBI) for BPJS, which covers 96.7 million low-income individuals.

This initiative ensures that Indonesia’s most vulnerable citizens have access to essential healthcare services, helping to bridge the gap in the country’s healthcare system.

In addition to the health insurance funding, the government has dedicated IDR 2.1 trillion to immunization programs. This budget will provide vaccines for children across the country, strengthening their immune systems and contributing to a healthier, more resilient population by preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

The government has also committed IDR 12.4 billion to support 19,900 pregnant women suffering from chronic energy deficiency. This funding will help improve the nutritional status of expectant mothers, reducing the risks associated with malnutrition during pregnancy and supporting healthier births across Indonesia.

Further addressing the issue of child malnutrition, IDR 21.9 billion has been allocated to assist 21,900 underweight children. This funding will provide additional food supplies, aiming to reduce stunting and improve the overall health and development of children in need.