Indonesia Reaffirms Healthcare as a Right, Ensures Access for All Citizens, Including Baduy Tribe
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Indonesia’s Ministry of Health has emphatically stated that emergency healthcare is a fundamental right for all citizens, regardless of their possession of a National Identification Number (NIK). The directive comes after a concerning incident where a member of the Baduy tribe was initially denied treatment at a Jakarta hospital following a mugging, due to lacking official identification.
Upholding Universal Healthcare Access
A senior official stressed the importance of immediate medical attention, stating, “Healthcare is a fundamental right for all people in Indonesia. Everyone is entitled, with or without an NIK.” The statement, made on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after overseeing health checks at the Tresna Werdha Budi Mulia 3 Welfare Home in South Jakarta, underscores the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare access.
The incident involving the Baduy resident prompted a swift response from the Ministry, which will launch a full investigation into the hospital’s actions and seek clarification. “We’ll handle the subject first, and after, to prevent recurring incidents, we will issue a warning to the hospital,” the official added.
No Need for Special Identification
Responding to inquiries about potentially issuing specialized identification cards for indigenous communities like the Baduy, the Ministry clarified that the existing healthcare infrastructure is sufficient. “There is no special card,” the official explained. “There are public health centers (puskemas) even in Baduy. Referral from them would not require NIK to be treated at a hospital.”
The Ministry emphasized that in emergency situations, healthcare facilities are legally obligated to provide immediate assistance, prioritizing patient care over administrative procedures. The government is currently working to streamline the administrative system to further facilitate access for all, particularly those without standard identification.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
While the absence of BPJS (Indonesia’s national health insurance) or an NIK should never be a barrier to emergency treatment – “Even in road accidents, they must receive assistance,” the official stated – the Ministry acknowledges systemic issues within healthcare administration.
To prevent future occurrences, the Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Jakarta Health Department and relevant hospitals. This includes not only issuing warnings but also conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the administrative system. “Sometimes the problem lies with the administrative staff because of the system. That’s what we will fix,” the official explained, highlighting a commitment to addressing the root causes of access barriers.
The government is also actively assisting members of the Inner Baduy Tribe in obtaining state health insurance, as previously reported. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure that all Indonesian citizens, regardless of their background or identification status, can receive the medical care they need, when they need it.
