JAKARTA – The Indonesian government is targeting a significant expansion of the nation’s medical tourism sector by prioritizing improvements in patient care and service excellence at private healthcare facilities.

According to Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono, while Indonesia’s private hospitals already possess cutting-edge medical technology and highly qualified healthcare professionals on par with international standards, there remains a critical gap in service delivery and patient experience.

Speaking at a media briefing this week, Harbuwono revealed that Indonesian citizens currently spend approximately Rp 600 trillion each year seeking medical treatment in foreign countries. The primary driver behind this trend is the superior patient-centered care and welcoming atmosphere that overseas hospitals typically provide.

“By redirecting even a substantial fraction of these expenditures back into our domestic healthcare system through service improvements, we can unlock tremendous growth potential for medical tourism in Indonesia,” the deputy minister explained.

Strategic Partnership for Quality Enhancement

The Health Ministry has assigned the Indonesian Hospitals Association (PERSI) to spearhead efforts in elevating hospitality standards and overall service quality across private hospitals nationwide. Harbuwono highlighted the Primaya Hospital Group as a model example of successful implementation in this area.

Dr. Bambang Wibowo, who chairs PERSI, voiced strong optimism about Primaya’s capacity to compete on the global medical tourism stage. With approximately 20 hospitals operating throughout the archipelago, the group has demonstrated robust management capabilities and adaptability, even during periods of economic uncertainty.

Leading by Example

Primaya Hospital Group CEO Leona A. Karnali emphasized that throughout the organization’s 19-year history, the focus has remained on delivering innovative medical care combined with compassionate service, with the goal of making quality healthcare more widely accessible.

The group’s latest facility in Kelapa Gading is equipped to manage complex medical conditions, including oncology cases, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. Primaya has distinguished itself by becoming Indonesia’s first private hospital to offer Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and by utilizing sophisticated cardiovascular technology such as the Rotablator system.

Beyond Basic Friendliness

Deputy Minister Harbuwono stressed that exceptional hospitality extends beyond simple courtesy—it encompasses reliable customer service practices and creating a healthcare environment that consistently places patients at the center of all operations.

T±±+0__hese strategic enhancements are designed to stem the outflow of Indonesians seeking medical care abroad while keeping a larger share of healthcare expenditure circulating within the domestic economy, ultimately strengthening the nation’s position as a competitive medical tourism destination.

Original Article:

Antara News. (2025, October 15). Improving hospitality may boost Indonesia’s medical tourism appeal. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/amp/s/en.antaranews.com/amp/news/386221/improving-hospitality-may-boost-indonesias-medical-tourism-appeal