PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - The Bekasi Regency Government is targeting the implementation of the Priority Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program in the National Health Insurance (JKN) by BPJS Kesehatan around October 22, 2026. This program is expected to accelerate public access to health service insurance without having to wait for the membership activation period of up to 14 days or the following month.

Acting Regent of Bekasi, Asep Surya Atmaja, stated that the implementation of the National Health Insurance (JKN) Priority UHC program demonstrates the local government's commitment to making it easier for the public to access healthcare services, especially when they require immediate medical attention. He made this statement after attending the Bekasi Regency Priority UHC Coordination Meeting at the Sakura Hotel, Deltamas City, Central Cikarang, on Friday (October 9, 2026).

"My hope is that when Bekasi Regency residents are sick or need treatment, they can receive services easily. They won't have to wait 14 days. Once registered, their BPJS Kesehatan membership or the Indonesian Health Card (KIS) will be immediately activated in accordance with applicable regulations," said Asep.

He emphasized that the Bekasi Regency Government will make every effort to realize the National Health Insurance (JKN) Priority UHC program, despite the region's challenging fiscal situation. He believes that easy access to healthcare is a fundamental public need that must be a priority for the government.

"I hope that any patient who has a Bekasi Regency ID card will receive good service," Asep emphasized.

Asep also reminded all hospitals to provide patient care in accordance with regulations. He admitted that he was still receiving reports of alleged patient refusals and requested that each report be followed up with an evaluation.

"I'm still receiving reports regarding patients being refused treatment by hospitals. If there's evidence of a violation, we will evaluate and take appropriate action, including reviewing licensing," he continued.

Meanwhile, Erwin Fadillah, Head of the Bekasi Regency BPJS Kesehatan Branch, explained that the JKN Priority UHC program provides easier access to healthcare services, especially for those registered through the local government. Under the previous scheme, participants faced a waiting period before their membership became active.

"With Priority UHC, people no longer need to wait until 14 days or the first of the following month," explained Erwin.

He added that through the Priority UHC scheme, the public can access JKN services within 3 x 24 working hours at the latest after the administration and registration process is completed according to the provisions.

"The public can access JKN services within 3 x 24 hours on a working day at the latest after completing the administration and registration process according to the regulations," he said.

Erwin stated that the implementation of the JKN Priority UHC in Bekasi Regency is targeted for October 22, 2026. However, its implementation still requires completion of administrative requirements and fulfillment of minimum participant coverage provisions.

Bekasi Regency's JKN coverage currently stands at 97.5 percent, while the minimum requirement for UHC Priority is 98 percent. Meanwhile, participant engagement has reached 81.5 percent, exceeding the minimum requirement of 80 percent.

"To achieve 98 percent coverage, we need an additional 7,000 participants," Erwin said.

He explained that the Acting Regent of Bekasi had signed a letter requesting additional participants. The data migration process would then need to be completed to ensure the participant coverage meets the requirements.

"The Acting Regent has signed the letter regarding the additional participants, and the next step is the data migration process. God willing, if all requirements are met, Priority UHC can be implemented before the end of October," he explained. (Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Office/rka)