Digital health in Indonesia - statistics & facts
Achieving healthcare fairness in the archipelago of more than 17,000 islands has always been a challenge. Millions of Indonesians endure grueling journeys to reach the nearest healthcare facilities due to geographical and infrastructure limitations. This narrative, however, has shifted for around 53 million digital health users in Indonesia. Healthcare services are becoming more convenient and accessible to these users. Indonesia’s healthcare system is changing due to digital health; it is now getting more patient-oriented, easier to access, efficient, and user-friendly.
While challenges remain, Indonesia is poised to continue growing its digital health sector. With the government actively involved in the implementation process and addressing the existing challenges, digital innovations will continue to shape how healthcare is delivered and experienced across the archipelago.
The digital health landscape in Indonesia
The digital health landscape in Indonesia is rapidly expanding, driven by increased smartphone use and improved internet connectivity. Telemedicine platforms such as Halodoc and Alodokter have made it easier for patients, especially in remote areas, to get healthcare services such as online consultations and health information. Additionally, digital fitness and well-being applications are gaining popularity, helping users monitor their well-being.Government involvement in the digitization of the healthcare sector in Indonesia
Indonesia’s government has taken the initiative to accelerate the digitization of the healthcare sector in Indonesia by launching a blueprint of the Digital Health Transformation Strategy in 2024. The government has also introduced health platforms to improve the country’s healthcare services. The Indonesian Ministry of Health developed the SATUSEHAT Mobile application, which has been downloaded by millions of users. SATUSEHAT Mobile app is an improved version of PeduliLindungi, the official COVID-19 digital contact tracking app. By using the SATUSEHAT Mobile platform, the government intends to improve the exchange of health data across medical facilities. Patients are no longer burdened with time-consuming administrative processes when seeking health reference information during health facility transfers or in an emergency. The Social Security Administrator for Health (BPJS Kesehatan) has also launched the Mobile JKN application, the digital version of the country’s national health insurance (JKN). The app allows users to check membership status, hospital search, and register online for health services.What are the barriers to adopting the digital health in Indonesia?
Despite encouraging improvements in digital health, there are still many challenges that stand in the way of its widespread use in Indonesia. Apart from technical challenges, one of the most significant issues is the digital divide, especially in rural regions where access to reliable internet and technology is scarce. In addition, there is a need to improve digital literacy in society, as many Indonesians, especially the older generations and those living in low-income areas, may struggle to utilize digital health platforms efficiently.While challenges remain, Indonesia is poised to continue growing its digital health sector. With the government actively involved in the implementation process and addressing the existing challenges, digital innovations will continue to shape how healthcare is delivered and experienced across the archipelago.
