The collective sense of humanity of this nation is being put to the test yet again as a Presidential Regulation imposing hike in the national healthcare insurance (BPJS Kesehatan) premiums is recently introduced. Poor people should not be burdened with such premium hike, especially considering the economic hardship that they must endure. The government has so far reallocated a number of budget posts and some of them could be used to cover the BPJS Kesehatan deficit. 

Member of Commission XI (finance, banking) of the House of Representatives Achmad Hafisz Tohir shared his views on the healthcare insurance premium hike via Whatsapp messenger on Thursday (14/5/2020). “People should not be burdened anymore. We have relaxed the budget deficit cap, so the government should use the amended state budget to cover BPJS Kesehatan’s budget deficit.” 

The National Mandate Party (PAN) politician called for the powerful elite of the administration to hold up their end of the bargain for once for the sake of health of the poor. “The House basically will always follow the government’s policy. We’ve done our part by giving up our Eid ul Fitr holiday bonus and cutting our salaries to donate PPEs and essential food supplies to help those in need,” Tohir added. People are entitled to the constitutional right of proper healthcare services as mandated by the 1945 Constitution. 

To provide education, he continued, is the responsibility of the state, and an educated nation cannot be guaranteed without good health of the people. People are now aware that the government has issued Presidential Regulation No. 64/2020 concerning the Second Amendment to Presidential regulation No.82/2018 concerning Health Insurance. Through this regulation, the government once again tried to increase BPJS Kesehatan premiums. This decision is against the Supreme Court ruling that overruled the premium hike imposed through Presidential Regulation No.75/2019. 

"It would be advisable if the insurance premium for poor people is not raised. If the president can do this, God willing, he will be remembered as the true president of the people. Covering the cost of BPJS premiums will certainly not hurt the economy because it is an investment towards creating a more resilient nation in facing the global competition as we move forward," said the Vice Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the House. 

In making his point, Tohir referred to the low price of meat and eggs in Germany, along with the free healthcare facilities. He maintained that such policies were possible when the state truly serves its people. The German government is well aware that ensuring good health and nutrition is prerequisite to a strong nation. "Therefore, with all due respect, I ask Mr. President not to raise the BPJS premiums, so that people will be assured that the state is there for them," he added in humble words. 

The Deputy Chairperson of the PAN Central Board believes it would be unfair for the government to revise the 2020 state budget and borrow another Rp.1,439.8 trillion to finance development projects while, at the same time, the healthcare insurance deficit is charged to the people. "Isn't this antagonistic sic?" the South Sumatra legislator asked inquisitively. (mh/es)