Indonesia’s Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) is one of the world’s largest single-payer health insurance systems, designed to provide equitable and affordable healthcare to over 280 million people. Since its inception in 2014, JKN has reached near-universal enrolment, covering 98 % of Indonesians by 2024. However, achieving genuine universal health coverage (UHC)—ensuring access to quality services without financial hardship—remains elusive. Persistent financing deficits, inefficiencies in provider payment systems, and regional disparities in healthcare access continue to challenge the system’s sustainability and equity.
In their article, published in SSM – Health Systems (Volume 5, December 2025, 100138), Dwidjo Susilo, Luh Putu Lila Wulandari, Evi Sukmayeti, Augustine Asante, Stephen Jan, Hasbullah Thabrany, Viroj Tangcharoensathien, Virginia Wiseman, and Marco Liverani examine these critical challenges. Using interviews and focus group discussions with policymakers and health managers, they identify key reforms needed to strengthen JKN’s financial resilience and ensure inclusive, sustainable progress toward UHC.