Health & Education

Indonesia has entered the final stages of its universal health care system rollout, which is set to stimulate continued growth across the private sector. The public scheme will provide an alternative to the country’s private system, addressing the lack of access for Indonesians who cannot afford private coverage but do not qualify for state-funded care. Universal health care will encompass preventive treatment, emergency visits, prescriptions and other services, and the government hopes that increased access will improve the country’s public health indicators, including maternal and child mortality rates. Indonesia’s government allocates one-fifth of its budget to the education sector, with the goal of boosting its international rankings and pupils’ progress. However, certain challenges have impeded the full potential of this policy from being realised. For example, decentralisation of education policy undermines standardisation of curricula at all levels and creates regional disparities in teaching quality and student attainment. This chapter also contains interviews with Caroline Riady, CEO, Siloam Hospitals, and Muhammad Anis, Rector, University of Indonesia.