Indonesia’s Health Ministry says elevating patient experience in private hospitals could reverse the trend of citizens seeking healthcare abroad, positioning the country as a premier medical tourism destination.
Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono stated that private sector hospitals already have advanced technology and skilled medical staff, comparable to those overseas. But he emphasized that enhancing hospitality is essential to attract more people to choose treatment in Indonesia.
He told a press event Wednesday that Indonesians spend about Rp 600 trillion annually on medical care overseas. One major reason is that foreign hospitals generally offer friendlier, patient‑centered service.
“If we can redirect a large portion of those expenses back to Indonesia by improving services at home, medical tourism here can grow significantly,” he said.
To this end, the ministry has tasked the Indonesian Hospitals Association (PERSI) with helping private hospitals improve their hospitality and overall service quality. One example is the Primaya Hospital Group, Harbuwono noted, which has already made strides in this area.
PERSI Chairman Dr. Bambang Wibowo expressed confidence in Primaya’s ability to compete globally in medical tourism. Operating around 20 hospitals across Indonesia, the group has shown strong management and resilience, even amid economic challenges.
Primaya CEO Leona A. Karnali said that over 19 years, her group has focused on providing innovative medical care with compassion, aiming for more inclusive access.
Their newest facility in Kelapa Gading, she said, will handle treatment for serious conditions including cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
Innovative treatments include Primaya being the first private hospital in Indonesia to provide Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), and using advanced cardiovascular tools like the Rotablator.
Harbuwono added that superior hospitality does not just mean friendliness—it includes consistent customer service and a patient‑oriented facility environment.
He said these improvements will help reduce the number of Indonesians seeking treatment abroad and retain much of the healthcare spending within the country.
