Indonesia pilots competency-based BPJS referral system

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has launched a pilot program to test a competency-based referral system for BPJS patients. This new approach moves away from the traditional tiered system based on hospital classes (D, C, B, and A).

Under the new system, healthcare facilities will be classified by their service capabilities: Basic, Intermediate, Main, and Comprehensive. This allows patients to be referred directly to a facility capable of treating their specific condition. For example, a patient requiring heart surgery at a community health center (Puskesmas) would be sent directly to a specialized facility rather than moving through multiple hospital tiers.

The trial is being conducted in four regions: Bandung, Makassar, Tulungagung, and Muara Enim. The pilot phase is expected to last up to 12 months to evaluate the reform before a potential nationwide implementation.