BPJS Kesehatan no longer covers victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse

Thekbabarnews.com—The Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) no longer covers treatment for sexual violence and domestic abuse victims. This makes their lives much harder.

Article 52(1) of Presidential Regulation No. 9 of 2024 on Health Insurance excludes healthcare services arising from assault, sexual violence, terrorism, and human trafficking from coverage under the national health insurance (JKN) program. 

Through alternative funding systems, the regulation makes ministries, agencies, or regional governments responsible for paying for things. The effects on the victims have been “quite problematic,” according to Siti Mazuma, a legal assistant from the Women Crisis Center Perempuan Nusantara (WCC Puantara).

Recently, she provided assistance to a child who had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of her father. The youngster needs mental care every month. However, her mother, who doesn’t make much money, has to work extra shifts to pay for it.

Siti also helped a victim of domestic violence who was from a low-income family. To go to court, the victim had to pay for a visum et repertum. The court can use this document as crucial medical evidence. In 2025, a single visum et repertum cost about Rp500,000.

“Visum et repertum is crucial for helping victims get justice. Without it, victims face a considerably harder legal process,” Siti stated.

Since then, advocates have looked for other ways to help, such as working with hospitals that offer free visa services. They have also raised money through NGOs that assist women and children and started public donation campaigns.

“When the state cannot adequately compensate victims, particularly women and children, we will mobilize people to advocate for them. It is not just one group that needs to deal with violence,” Siti remarked.

The BPJS Watch Coordinator, Timboel Siregar, said that the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) now pays for a portion of the recovery costs. However, LPSK can only guarantee visum et repertum services after the victim files a police report. Many victims are not ready or able to do this. 

Budget cuts have also hindered LPSK’s ability to reach out. LPSK says that victims may suffer more while seeking justice and healing if there are no easy ways to get money.