Jakarta – In a move to strengthen healthcare services in Indonesia’s remote, underdeveloped, and border regions known as 3T areas President Prabowo Subianto has enacted a policy that grants a special monthly allowance of Rp30 million to specialist and sub-specialist doctors assigned to these areas.
This policy is stipulated in Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 81 of 2025, which took effect in August 2025. The initiative is expected to serve as a strong incentive to encourage medical professionals to work in regions long underserved by specialist healthcare services.
Who Is Eligible for the Allowance?
The allowance is allocated to:
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Medical specialists and sub-specialists,
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Dental specialists and sub-specialists,
who are actively serving in government-owned healthcare facilities located in underdeveloped, border, and island regions (DTPK).
In its initial phase, the government plans to distribute the allowance to 1,100 doctors, each receiving Rp30,012,000 per month.
What Is the Purpose of This Policy?
According to President Prabowo, the objectives of this program include:
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Attracting specialist doctors to serve in areas with limited access to healthcare,
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Reducing the healthcare service gap between urban and rural/remote regions,
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Showing appreciation for medical personnel who are willing to work in high-challenge environments.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin confirmed that the initiative came directly from President Prabowo as part of the government’s commitment to address healthcare disparities in 3T areas.
How Will the Allowance Be Distributed?
The allowance will be disbursed monthly and directly to the eligible doctors through a system coordinated by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance. The funds are categorized as extra compensation, separate from regular salaries or other benefits, ensuring that this allowance does not replace or reduce any existing entitlements.
What Do Professional Organizations Say?
The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) welcomed the policy but stressed the importance of supporting regulations, including:
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Clear designation and legal status of doctors assigned to 3T regions,
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Availability of adequate facilities such as official housing and proper medical infrastructure,
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Legal protection and safety guarantees for medical workers in high-risk areas.
“We appreciate the government’s good intention. However, technical regulations must be in place to ensure doctors are protected and comfortable while serving in these challenging regions,” said IDAI Chairman Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso.
When Will It Be Implemented?
The Ministry of Health has set a target to begin disbursement in September 2025, prioritizing areas that are categorized as extremely underdeveloped and currently lack permanent specialist doctors.
A Milestone in Prabowo’s Early Administration
This special allowance program for specialist doctors marks a significant breakthrough in President Prabowo Subianto’s early administration. Beyond financial support, the policy reflects the government’s seriousness in achieving equitable access to healthcare and reaffirming the state’s presence across Indonesia’s farthest regions.
