Indonesia is moving to strengthen sharia-compliant healthcare services to ensure medical treatments are paired with the spiritual needs of its citizens. Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono stated that spiritual values are an inseparable part of Indonesian society and the national healthcare system.
Aligning Medicine with Spiritual Values
The push for sharia-compliant care aligns with the first principle of Pancasila, which emphasizes belief in the One Almighty God. Deputy Minister Harbuwono noted that for Indonesians, spiritual assurance is a fundamental need rather than a simple convenience.
“When someone is sick, what do they need most besides medicine and medical treatment? The answer is a sense of calm, a sense of respect, and the assurance that they are being cared for in line with their values,” the deputy minister said on Friday.
A Global Ambition for Halal Tourism
With a Muslim population of 87 percent, Indonesia is positioning itself as a potential leading destination for halal healthcare services. This strategy aims to attract both domestic and international patients by providing holistic services that are medically superior and spiritually soothing.
To support this, the government is focusing on a broader halal product ecosystem. Approximately 44,000 pharmaceutical products are expected to be halal certified by 2026.
Inclusive Certification Standards
KH Cholil Nafis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Sharia Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council (DSN-MUI), clarified that sharia certification is universal. He emphasized that these standards are open to all hospitals, including private and government facilities, not just those specifically designated as Islamic hospitals.
These standards encompass various operational aspects, including cleanliness and the use of an Islamic financial system. Halal principles must be applied to medicines, medical devices, and injection materials to ensure patient peace of mind.
Building a National Ecosystem
The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry, the National Committee for Sharia Economics and Finance (KNEKS), and the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) to achieve these goals.
The 6th International Islamic Healthcare Conference and Expo, organized by the Indonesian Islamic Health Care Council (MUKISI), served as a platform to strengthen these synergies under the theme “From Certification to Collaboration.”
Moving forward, the forum may produce concrete commitments that could lead to a more inclusive and dignified health system. This integrated approach is likely to be a key driver in making Indonesia a global hub for halal health tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sharia healthcare certification only available for Islamic hospitals?
No. According to KH Cholil Nafis of the DSN-MUI, sharia certification is universal and open to both government and private hospitals.
What is the government’s target for halal pharmaceutical products?
The goal is to have approximately 44,000 pharmaceutical products halal certified by 2026.
What specific areas of healthcare must meet halal principles?
Halal principles must be applied to medicines, medical devices, and injection materials, while services should prioritize cleanliness and utilize an Islamic financial system.
Do you believe integrating spiritual values into medical care improves the overall patient experience?
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