BANDA ACEH – Hendra, Coordinator of Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas, has urged Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf to immediately review, revise, or revoke Aceh Governor Regulation (Pergub) No. 2 of 2026 concerning the Aceh Health Insurance Scheme (JKA), arguing that the policy risks placing additional pressure on vulnerable communities across the province.
The regulation, which officially came into force on 1 May 2026, has drawn growing criticism from various sectors of society. The policy is considered not only socially burdensome, but also inconsistent with the principles outlined in Aceh Qanun No. 4 of 2010 on Health and Aceh Qanun No. 8 of 2014 on the Aceh Health Insurance Scheme, both of which have long served as the legal foundation for healthcare protection in Aceh.
According to Hendra, restricting JKA coverage solely to citizens classified within deciles 1 to 7 does not fully reflect the actual socio-economic realities faced by many residents. He argued that numerous individuals who are administratively categorised within higher deciles are, in practice, financially incapable of covering medical expenses or maintaining independent BPJS health insurance contributions.
“The people of Aceh must not lose their right to medical treatment merely because of administrative issues or inaccurate data classification. JKA was established in the spirit of protecting all citizens, not limiting who deserves access to healthcare,” Hendra stated on Thursday (14 May 2026).
He explained that Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas has received multiple reports from border regions, remote communities, and urban areas regarding difficulties in accessing healthcare services following the implementation of the regulation. These reportedly include hospital inpatients, individuals suffering from chronic illnesses, and low-income residents who are no longer covered under the JKA programme.
According to Hendra, JKA is not merely a public healthcare programme, but part of Aceh’s broader post-conflict social recovery and a symbol of the government’s commitment to social justice and protection for vulnerable populations.
In addition to legal and social protection concerns, Hendra highlighted the continuing economic pressures faced by Acehnese society. Based on data released by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Aceh, the province’s poverty rate in September 2024 remained at 12.64 per cent, with approximately 718,960 people classified as living below the poverty line. Aceh continues to rank among the provinces with the highest poverty levels on the island of Sumatra.
At the same time, mental health issues in Aceh were said to require serious attention. Data from the Aceh Mental Health Hospital (RSJ Aceh) recorded approximately 21,000 to 22,000 residents experiencing mental health disorders, with more than half categorised as severe cases. At least 114 individuals were reportedly still living under physical restraint conditions.
Hendra stated that the high number of mental health cases could not be separated from economic hardship, the legacy of past conflict, natural disasters, and prolonged social pressures that continue to affect many communities across Aceh.
He further noted that Acehnese society has recently endured a series of hardships, ranging from economic difficulties and natural disasters in several regions to rising living costs following broader socio-economic challenges.
For that reason, he warned that restricting JKA services could potentially intensify social anxiety and heighten social tension if the policy is not comprehensively re-evaluated through an evidence-based and humanitarian approach.
“We hope this issue can be handled carefully and constructively, with the public interest placed above all else. Policies concerning basic healthcare rights must not create new feelings of injustice within Acehnese society,” Hendra said.
He stressed that social stability and public trust remain critically important, particularly in Aceh, which has a long history of conflict and peacebuilding. Therefore, every public policy should continue to prioritise humanitarian principles, social justice, inclusive healthcare access, and constructive dialogue with communities in order to prevent future social tensions.
He added that safeguarding public healthcare access should remain a shared responsibility between the government, civil society, and all stakeholders in order to preserve long-term social stability in Aceh.
Hendra also reminded the public that the commitment to preserving and strengthening JKA had previously formed part of wider public expectations surrounding the leadership of Muzakir Manaf. Consequently, many citizens now expect the Aceh Government to remain consistent in safeguarding the original spirit of JKA as a social safety net for the people.
He acknowledged the government’s responsibility to maintain fiscal sustainability and healthcare governance. However, he stressed that economic efficiency should not come at the expense of vulnerable communities’ access to essential healthcare services.
In addition to requesting a comprehensive review of the regulation, his organisation also urged the Aceh Government to conduct a transparent re-verification of socio-economic classification data, based on accurate information and involving public participation, in order to prevent misclassification that could ultimately deprive citizens of their healthcare rights.
The controversy surrounding Aceh Governor Regulation No. 2 of 2026 has recently come under intense public scrutiny. Aceh House of Representatives is reported to have agreed to propose the revocation of the regulation during a public hearing session, arguing that it raises legal concerns and could have broad social consequences.
Analysts warn that policies perceived as limiting access to essential healthcare services could gradually affect public confidence in social protection programmes if not addressed transparently and inclusively.
In addition, various community groups, civil society organisations, academics, and regional figures have voiced hopes that JKA policies will continue to uphold the principles of social justice and comprehensive healthcare protection for the people of Aceh.
According to Hendra, JKA has long represented not only a healthcare programme, but also a symbol of the state’s presence in protecting the people of Aceh. Therefore, every policy related to JKA should remain grounded in humanitarian values, social justice, and the protection of the most vulnerable members of society.
Observers believe the handling of the JKA controversy could become a significant test of the Aceh administration’s commitment to social protection, public trust, and inclusive governance in the years ahead.
As of the publication of this report, the Aceh Government had not issued an official response regarding calls for a review of Aceh Governor Regulation No. 2 of 2026, as public debate surrounding the future of the JKA programme continues across the province.
