Discussion on Cancer Day by Tugure, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin: The Role of Insurance is

JAKARTA – PT Tugu Reasuransi Indonesia (Tugure) held a discussion on cancer treatment in Indonesia titled "Critical Role of Private Insurance in Personalized Cancer Care Coverage" on Wednesday (February 26th, 2025), attended by 70 participants from the life insurance industry.

This discussion was part of a series of events commemorating World Cancer Day, which falls on February 4. The event involved policymakers and stakeholders in the healthcare sector in addressing the cancer burden in Indonesia.

The panelists included Head of the Health Financing Center Ahmad Irsan A Moeis, Senior Vice President & Head of Malaysia Re Mohammad Nizam Yahya, Chairman of the IT Division of the Indonesian Life Underwriter Association (PERUJI) Sigit Adiwijaya, and Chairman of the Indonesian Insurance Claims Communication Forum (FOKKAI) Hendro Sulistiyo.

Additionally, the discussion featured experts and academics, including the Chairman of the College of Risk Management and Insurance (STIMRA) Abitani Barkah Taim, Medical Oncology Hematology Subspecialist at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Andhika Rahman.

The event was also attended by representatives from the Cancer Information and Support Center Association (CISC), Aryanthi Baramuli Putri. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry was represented by the Associate Director of Market Access and Policy at PT Merck Sharp & Dohme Indonesia (MSD Indonesia), Dr. Donda Hutagalung.

On the other hand, the event received positive recognition from Indonesia's Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin. Referring to data and facts, cancer has become a global burden.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan), in 2022, Indonesia recorded more than 408,661 new cancer cases, with 242,099 deaths caused by the disease. If effective interventions are not implemented, this number is expected to increase by 63% by 2040.

In a statement delivered by the Head of the Health Financing Center at the Ministry of Health, Ahmad Irsan A. Moeis, the minister highlighted that cancer issues not only have medical implications but also financial and funding concerns.

According to Ministry of Health data, at least 6.3 million people visited hospitals with a cancer diagnosis. "That number only accounts for hospital visits and users of the National Health Insurance (JKN) program," the minister noted.

The problem is that these hospital visits alone have already consumed around IDR 13 trillion from the JKN budget. "That’s why addressing cancer is not only a medical challenge but also a financial and funding issue," the minister stated in his address.

Furthermore, cancer financing is becoming increasingly critical due to the complexity of treatment and the lack of early detection among the public.

Statistics show that 2 out of 3 cancer patients are diagnosed when the disease has reached an advanced stage. The problem is that treating late-stage cancer requires multiple therapies, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

These challenges contribute to the high cost of cancer treatment. Budi hopes for positive synergy among stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurers, and financial institutions.

"From healthcare providers to insurers and financing institutions, collaboration is crucial," he concluded.

At the same event, Tugure President Director Teguh Budiman stated that this initiative is part of the company's commitment through Tugure Academy to enhance literacy and contribute to the insurance industry.

According to Teguh, cancer treatment is urgent and requires cooperation from all parties. The reality is that every cancer patient has different treatment needs.

"Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis and limited healthcare coverage remain major obstacles in improving patients' quality of life," he emphasized.

Teguh explained that, although the public has benefited greatly from the BPJS Health program, which serves as the backbone of the national healthcare system, cancer cases continue to rise.

"The increasing number of cancer cases requires various types of therapies, including innovative treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The role of private health insurance is becoming increasingly important in expanding access to more effective therapies," Teguh stated.

Therefore, he hopes this discussion will open conversations about challenges and lead to solutions from different perspectives.

"Our goal is to explore regulations and financing solutions that support cancer control," he concluded.

Managing Director of PT Merck Sharp & Dohme Indonesia (MSD Indonesia), George Stylianou, shared the same expectation in his speech. He believes that this discussion can foster collaboration between regulators, medical professionals, and industry practitioners to find effective solutions for cancer treatment in Indonesia.

"At MSD, we believe that everyone has the right to equal access to cancer screening, treatment, and care. However, we cannot do this alone. Partnering with various stakeholders is key to discovering new and innovative ways to make a bigger impact. Through discussions like the one initiated by Tugure today, we can further explore personalized cancer treatment and develop sustainable and effective financing solutions for patients in Indonesia," George stated.

Tugure Academy Chairman Eko Susanto added that this initiative reflects Tugure's commitment to providing reinsurance services to business partners. Tugure Academy will continue to organize competency development programs to support the insurance industry in facing future business challenges.