Foreign nationals (WNA) working in Indonesia for more than six months are required by law to join BPJS Kesehatan, the country’s National Health Insurance (JKN) program. According to official data, as of September 2025, there are more than 124,739 foreigners registered under the scheme, in line with Law No. 24 of 2011 on the Social Security Administration Agency (BPJS).
This clarification follows viral reports claiming that 15,000 foreigners in Bali had registered with BPJS. BPJS Kesehatan President Director, Ali Ghufron Mukti, explained the numbers are nationwide, with the largest registrations actually coming from Sulawesi.
“Indeed, it is not only in Bali. Nationally, the figure exceeds 124,000, and most are actually in Sulawesi,” Ali said on September 14, 2025, as quoted by RRI.
Employers Required to Register Foreign Workers
Ali emphasized that the participation of foreigners in BPJS Kesehatan fully complies with the law. Companies employing foreign workers are obligated to register them with BPJS once they have worked at least six months in Indonesia. The program is not designed for tourists or short-term visitors.
The premium is set at 5% of a worker’s salary—with 4% covered by the employer and 1% by the employee. For example, if the minimum wage is USD 189, the monthly premium is USD 9.40.
Altogether, foreign workers contribute around USD 1.18 million in monthly premiums. However, the calculation is capped at a maximum salary of USD 755, even if the worker earns more.
“In Jakarta, even if the salary reaches USD 1,885–2,513, the contribution is still calculated based on USD 755,” Ali clarified.
BPJS data shows that foreign workers’ contributions are larger than the cost of services they use. In 2024, the value of healthcare services for foreigners was about USD 629,000, while their contributions were far higher.
“This situation benefits BPJS Kesehatan because the funds collected are much greater than the claims used,” Ali noted.
He also stressed that foreigners receive no special treatment with the same healthcare services and follow the same rules as Indonesian citizens.
Healthcare Coverage
Foreigners enrolled in BPJS Kesehatan enjoy the same facilities and benefits as Indonesian citizens. The program covers promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services, from local clinics to advanced hospitals. Coverage includes:
• Laboratory and diagnostic services
• Hospital pharmacies and registered drug stores
• Emergency care and ambulance services
• Blood transfusions and optical care
• Maternal, newborn, and child health services
Excluded services include cosmetic surgery, infertility treatment, orthodontics, and medical care abroad, in line with Presidential Regulation No. 82/2018 on Health Insurance.
The inclusion of foreign workers in BPJS Kesehatan not only ensures compliance with national law but also strengthens Indonesia’s universal healthcare system. Their contributions improve the program’s financial sustainability since premium payments from foreigners outweigh the cost of services they use.
By requiring companies to register foreign employees, Indonesia ensures compliance with social security laws while maintaining fairness in access to healthcare. Ultimately, foreign workers not only protect themselves by joining BPJS Kesehatan but also contribute positively to Indonesia’s healthcare system.
Source: RRI, Kontan, Kompas
Photo Credit: BPJS Kesehatan
