Indonesia is making steady progress toward ensuring everyone can access the health services they need without financial hardship, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank Group report on universal health coverage (UHC).
According to a media release by WHO, Indonesia’s UHC index now stands at 67, reflecting both ongoing efforts to expand access and recent improvements in how progress is measured. The updated methodology offers a clearer and more accurate picture of Indonesia’s health system, allowing for better tracking of achievements and areas for growth. When the new approach is applied to previous years, Indonesia’s score is 66 in 2021 and 67 in 2023, indicating only a slight increase.
WHO representative to Indonesia Dr N Paranietharan said, “Indonesia’s progress toward UHC is encouraging but we must not lose sight of those still left behind. The UHC day today is a reminder that we need to invest in primary care, strengthen our health workforce and ensure that no one faces financial hardship because of health costs. WHO stands with Indonesia as it works to close these gaps and build a healthier future for all.”
Across different areas of health, Indonesia’s performance varies. Services for mothers and children are relatively strong, but there are still gaps in family planning. Infectious disease control is the country’s strongest area, yet HIV services remain a concern, with coverage much lower than for other diseases.
The biggest challenge lies in noncommunicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, where detection and treatment rates are still low. Distribution of the health workforce is another area needing attention, as many communities, especially in rural areas, lack enough health workers to meet demand.
Financial protection is also a key part of UHC. A new way of measuring financial hardship shows that the share of Indonesians facing high out-of-pocket health costs has nearly halved since 2001. However, financial risk remains significant, with around 26.6% of the population still experiencing financial hardship due to health spending.
The poorest families continue to struggle, with almost nine out of 10 households in the lowest income group still facing financial hardship due to health expenses. Rural families and those with children or elderly members are especially at risk. These patterns reflect not only financial constraints but also ongoing barriers to accessing care, even for those who have health insurance.
To address these challenges, Indonesia is taking concrete steps. The Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, is improving how health data is collected and used, and is working with partners to ensure that reforms reach those who need them most.