Dialysis Cases Rise in Indonesia as Hypertension and Diabetes Drive Kidney Failure
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- BPJS Kesehatan data shows 134,057 Indonesians underwent hemodialysis in 2024, with the real number likely higher due to non-BPJS patients.
- The Health Ministry says uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes are major causes of chronic kidney disease and is promoting early detection through the Free Health Check Program (CKG).
- Patient advocates report complaints over sudden PBI BPJS deactivations, while BPJS says the changes follow a Social Affairs Ministry decree to improve targeting.
Dialysis patients in Indonesia continue to rise. Data from BPJS Kesehatan shows that 134,057 chronic kidney failure patients underwent hemodialysis procedures throughout 2024.
The figure does not include patients who are not registered as BPJS Kesehatan participants. The Health Ministry’s director for noncommunicable disease prevention and control, dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, said most chronic kidney failure cases are triggered by poorly controlled noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as other factors including infections and hereditary conditions.
“Many chronic kidney disease patients begin with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes mellitus. That is why early detection is very important,” Nadia told Republika on Thursday (Feb. 5, 2026).
As a control measure, the Health Ministry is urging the public to undergo regular medical checkups, especially people with risk factors or a family history of kidney disease. The government has introduced a Free Health Check Program (CKG), which the public can use to detect kidney problems as early as possible.
“Through the CKG program, people can check kidney disease risk factors early. If diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes, take medication regularly,” she said.
Beyond screening and treatment, the ministry also calls on the public to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent kidney failure. This includes meeting daily fluid needs by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, as well as avoiding carbonated drinks and sweetened beverages.
Nadia also reminded the public not to delay medical care once they have been diagnosed with kidney-related risks or disease. “Get treatment immediately at a health facility or hospital. Do not try alternative methods that have not been proven,” she said.
Separately, the Indonesian Dialysis Patient Community (KPCDI) recently received dozens of complaints from kidney failure patients who said they had lost access to treatment because their BPJS Kesehatan contribution assistance beneficiary (PBI) status was suddenly deactivated or revoked. The termination of membership status without notification has been described as inhumane and a clear violation of human rights. BPJS Kesehatan said the deactivation of some participants in the National Health Insurance (JKN) program under the PBI JKN segment was carried out in accordance with Social Affairs Ministerial Decree No. 3/HUK/2026 to ensure beneficiary data is properly targeted.
Indonesianpost.com | Republika
