Active verification of status is now more important than ever for participants of Indonesia's health insurance program, BPJS Kesehatan. With the program serving as a cornerstone of health access for millions, ensuring the active status of its participants is key to maintaining their healthcare access. Many participants may not realize their status can become inactive due to reasons such as unpaid dues or changes to their personal information. To address these issues, BPJS Kesehatan launched easy methods to check participant status without needing to visit their offices.
One of the most convenient methods to verify status is through WhatsApp, referred to as the Pandawa service. Participants simply send a message reading "Hai" or "Halo" to the BPJS Kesehatan WhatsApp number at 0811-8-165-165, prompting the system to guide them through the verification process. This method allows participants to retrieve their status information instantly just by using their mobile phones.
Alternatively, the Mobile JKN app, available on both Android and iOS, empowers users to not only check their status but also to manage other aspects of their insurance. After downloading and logging in, users can access information on their status, pay dues, and even update their details—all from their handheld devices.
Beyond healthcare, the Indonesian government is grappling with various bureaucratic challenges, including issues surrounding land management. Recently, officials have emphasized the importance of seizing inactive land titles to optimize agricultural productivity and decrease loss from mismanaged resources. Zeira Salim, along with other members of the DPRD Sumut, urged the Minister of Agrarian Affairs to seize about 3.7 million acres of problematic palm oil land, asserting this action is important to considerably reduce economic losses for the state. According to the data provided by BPN Sumut, 221 inactive land titles concentrated mainly within Deliserdang, which encompasses 128 titles, require immediate government intervention.
Salim pointed out the benefits of reallocations stated, highlighting these lands could be transformed for other productive uses, such as renewable energy projects or food security initiatives. He stated, “Menteri ATR/BPN melalui Satgas Sawit telah melakukan penertiban 1,1 juta hektare lahan sawit yang bermasalah,” illustrating the continuous efforts to sort through the extensive palm oil issues impacting the region.
Others, like Viktor Silaen, reinforce these pushes for government clean-up of the inactive land, believing it could help generate national revenue through proper agricultural practices. “Penyitaan ini juga dapat mengurangi praktik ilegal perkebunan kelapa sawit,” he noted, focusing on the benefits beyond just cleaning up the existing issues. The seizure of these lands offers the potential for creating a transparent, lawful business environment within Indonesia's agricultural sectors.
Local governance issues also abound, as seen recently with allegations of misconduct involving local officials, leading to community distrust. Reports from Gunungkidul allege improper actions by local Dukuh, identified only as TK, who faces accusations of extortion and harassment against residents, particularly against vulnerable individuals. These allegations surfaced after citizens openly addressed grievances at community discussions, pressing for accountability from local leadership.
Sugiyarto, the Lurah of Kalurahan Kemejing, underscored the need for continual oversight and actions to guarantee proper conduct from local officials, expressing the government's commitment to addressing these abuses. He stated, “Sebenarnya kita selalu melakukan pembinaan terhadap Pamong agar tidak selalu membuat kegaduhan di kalangan masyarakat,” emphasizing efforts made to promote good governance.
Yet, as controversies bubble to the surface, responses from the accused shed light on the complexity of these situations. Defending himself, Tukino, the Dukuh implicated by complaints, dismissed allegations and emphasized the viability of claimed settlements made by concerned parties. "Tidak ada pemerkosaan mas, dan surat pengunduran diri itu kan yang tanda tangan istri serta suami si perempuan, bukan saya,” he retorted, claiming no misconduct occurred, but rather the misunderstandings stemmed from mischaracterized interactions.
These interconnected issues—health care status verification and local governance accountability—illustrate the broader need for active engagement from both public entities and the communities they serve. Ensuring participants can verify their health coverage is as pivotal as addressing governance missteps, setting the stage for broader empowerment through transparency and proactive measures across Indonesia.