Indonesia is seeking to overhaul its national cardiology system as cardiovascular disease remains the country’s leading cause of death, claiming nearly 800,000 lives annually. During the 35th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Indonesian Heart Association (ASMIHA) 2026, held from 15 to 18 July, experts and policymakers identified a critical need to address patient trust and service accessibility to counter a rising trend of citizens seeking cardiac treatment abroad.
Addressing the Outbound Medical Tourism Trend
While Indonesian cardiologists maintain clinical competencies on par with global standards, many patients continue to travel internationally for cardiac care. Dr. Renan Sukmawan, Chairman of the Indonesian Collegium of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, stated that the gap is not in medical skill but in the overall patient experience. According to Dr. Renan, rebuilding public confidence requires a focus on humanistic care, transparent communication, and the streamlining of patient journeys from arrival to treatment completion.
Dahlan Iskan, a former SOE Minister and healthcare observer, noted that patients prioritize accessible care and empathetic communication over the presence of highly sophisticated technology. He suggested that when healthcare feels human and efficient, public preference for domestic services is likely to increase.
Did You Know?
The financial burden of cardiovascular disease on Indonesia’s National Health Insurance (JKN) program is substantial, with BPJS Kesehatan reporting that cardiovascular care costs have reached Rp12.1 trillion across approximately 15 million recorded cases.
Structural Reinforcement and Financial Sustainability
The ASMIHA 2026 forum, which drew over 2,500 participants, shifted its focus toward the structural reinforcement of the national cardiac care ecosystem. Dr. Amir Aziz Alkatiri, Chairman of the 35th ASMIHA, emphasized that the event moved beyond scientific discourse to address systemic issues, including specialist medical education, equitable service distribution, and sustainable financing models.
Maj-Gen (ret.) Dr. dr. Prihati Pujowaskito noted that the healthcare system must balance medical innovation with cost-effectiveness. He stressed that evidence-based financing policies via health technology assessment are necessary to ensure the public retains access to top-tier therapies without placing an unsustainable burden on national healthcare infrastructure.
Expert Insight:
The push to repatriate cardiac patients from foreign hospitals hinges on a shift in organizational culture.
Professional Welfare and Future Outlook
The sustainability of these reforms depends heavily on the workforce. Dr. Ade Meidian Ambari, President of the PERKI Central Executive Board, stated that no transformation can succeed without addressing the welfare and legal protections of medical professionals. He argued that to successfully deploy specialists to remote areas, the government must provide clear career pathways, fair incentives, and supportive working environments.
Looking ahead, the collaboration between the Health Ministry, professional organizations, and academic institutions aims to build a self-reliant cardiology ecosystem. If these stakeholders successfully synchronize policy with professional support, Indonesia may see a reduction in the reliance on foreign medical services in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are many Indonesians seeking cardiac treatment abroad?
According to experts at ASMIHA 2026, the trend is driven by concerns regarding the overall patient experience, including bureaucracy, waiting times, and communication, rather than a lack of clinical capability among domestic cardiologists.
What is the financial impact of heart disease on Indonesia’s insurance system?
Heart disease is one of the most expensive catastrophic illnesses under the JKN program, with costs reaching Rp12.1 trillion for approximately 15 million cases, according to data from BPJS Kesehatan.
What role did public figures play in the ASMIHA 2026 forum?
Figures such as actress Christine Hakim and former SOE Minister Dahlan Iskan provided perspectives as family members and patients. Their involvement aimed to bridge the gap between the medical community and the public to promote early detection and awareness.
What steps do you believe are most critical for hospitals to take to improve the patient experience for those seeking cardiac care?