In Makassar, the city government is under pressure to assist underprivileged residents with their health insurance contributions.
Ari Ashari Ilham, the Chairman of Commission D of the Makassar City DPRD, has taken a strong stand, advocating for the Makassar City Government (Pemkot) to finance BPJS Kesehatan contributions for low-income individuals. During a statement made on March 18, 2025, Ashari highlighted the grim realities many residents face. He said, "Don’t let people living in Makassar, which is said to be a big city, die because they can't access health services due to unpaid BPJS fees.”
Ashari's concern stems from the growing number of underprivileged residents who are unable to pay their BPJS Kesehatan contributions, resulting in significant arrears. He has been proactive about addressing this issue, noting that discussions with BPJS Kesehatan have already occurred, with plans to include the matter in upcoming conversations with the Makassar City Government.
The issue of unpaid health insurance, Ashari argues, could lead to dire consequences for the city's residents. He pointed out that not everyone in Makassar is financially capable of affording these payments, emphasizing the need for systemic support. Ashari said, “We know that not all residents fall into the category of being able to pay. Those who can’t are still holding BPJS Mandiri, but they cannot pay.”
For him, the role of the government is crucial in resolving this pressing matter. He urged the Makassar City Government to identify the truly underprivileged individuals who qualify for assistance in paying their BPJS Kesehatan contributions. “The government has to take a major role in assessing those who are genuinely in need,” Ashari reiterated. “There should be no obligation for those who are genuinely unable to pay their BPJS contributions to either pay in full or in installments. These fees should be transferred to the KIS.”
Ashari firmly believes that the city’s annual budget (APBD) could accommodate expenses related to BPJS Kesehatan for those in need. “With the large budget we have in Makassar, it’s hard to believe we can’t support genuinely underprivileged individuals' health insurance.” He also plans to present this issue during the upcoming budget meeting, where he will advocate for solutions to ensure that BPJS arrears from those unable to pay are covered by city funds.
“I will discuss this issue at the budget meeting later, specifically looking for a way to transfer the burdens of BPJS dues for those who genuinely cannot pay into the city’s budget,” he concluded, underlining the urgency of the matter. The potential for an aligned approach between city authorities and health insurance entities could pave the way for improved health access among Makassar’s vulnerable populations.
