Ministry of Human Rights: BPJS Patients Are Not Second-Class Citizens

Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights is confronting instances of perceived lack of empathy from healthcare workers towards patients covered by BPJS Kesehatan, the national health insurance program. The ministry also highlighted issues of prolonged waiting times at various health facilities.

Munafrizal Manan, Director General of Human Rights Services and Compliance at the Ministry of Human Rights, stated that every individual is entitled to dignified, equal healthcare, free from discrimination. He stressed that BPJS membership should not dictate the quality of service or the attitude of healthcare professionals.

"The right to health is a fundamental right inherent in every human being. BPJS patients are not 'second-class citizens.' They are rights holders with the same standing, fully protected by the state," Manan said in a statement on Sunday. This assertion directly counters any notion that insurance status diminishes a patient's rights.

“

The right to health is a fundamental right inherent in every human being. BPJS patients are not 'second-class citizens.' They are rights holders with the same standing, fully protected by the state.

As a preventative and corrective measure, Manan issued a directive in March 2025. This circular explicitly requires all health service units within the Ministry of Health and other government agencies to adhere to four core human rights principles in their service provision. These principles focus on ensuring adequate quantity of facilities and programs, and crucially, accessibility.

Manan elaborated that services must be accessible without discrimination, encompassing physical, economic, and informational barriers. The principle of non-discrimination specifically prohibits differentiation based on social or economic status, or the type of health insurance held. This directive aims to ensure equitable healthcare access for all Indonesians.

“

Services must be accessible without discrimination, whether physically, economically, or informationally. The principle of non-discrimination includes prohibiting differentiation based on social status, economic status, or type of health insurance.