Pribadi Wicaksono (Kontributor), Jakarta – Higher Education, Research, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto has raised concerns over the growing number of Indonesians seeking medical treatment overseas, warning that the trend is costing the country billions of dollars each year.
Brian said an estimated US$10 billion – roughly Rp160 trillion – flows out of Indonesia annually as patients travel abroad for healthcare services. He described the figure as both a serious challenge and a major opportunity for domestic medical schools and hospitals to improve their standards.
"We must immediately elevate the standard of healthcare services to an international level," Brian said on Friday, February 13, 2026, during the inauguration of a Specialist Doctor Education Program (PPDS) at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta.
According to the minister, strengthening self-sufficiency in the health sector is essential to reversing the trend.
"Self-sufficiency will prevent our national healthcare system from continually relying on foreign services," he said.
Brian highlighted the role of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations, and its Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Higher Education Network (PTMA) in expanding access to specialist medical education.
He noted that 24 specialist doctor education programs have now been established across PTMA-affiliated campuses nationwide.
However, he cautioned that the expansion of specialist programs must not become overly commercialized. The priority, he said, should be producing highly qualified and ethically grounded medical specialists.
"The main objective is to produce specialist doctors of the highest quality and integrity," Brian said, adding that Muhammadiyah's institutions should aim to develop globally competitive hospitals capable of attracting international patients in the future.
Separately, Muhammadiyah Central Leadership chair Agus Taufiqurrohman said the addition of dozens of specialist programs reflects the organization's commitment to strengthening public health services.
"We want specialist doctor education to be part of our dedication to addressing national challenges through the strengthening of knowledge," he said.
The 24 programs are spread across seven Muhammadiyah higher education institutions, including Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta, Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta, and Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra.
Agus said the initiative is expected to accelerate efforts to meet Indonesia's demand for specialist doctors and reduce the number of citizens seeking treatment abroad by improving the competitiveness and inclusiveness of the country's healthcare workforce.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2087133/indonesia-loses-us10bn-annually-to-overseas-medical-treatmen