Depok-The Hospital Administration study program in the Vocational Education Program, Universitas Indonesia (UI), held a public lecture to broaden students’ insights into the global healthcare system. Themed “Integrating Government Health Insurance into National Healthcare: Insight from Malaysia,” the event featured Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Zulkifli Abdullah from the Department of Health Administration, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. The public lecture was held in the Intraco Room of UI Vocational Education on October 21, 2025.
In his presentation, Zulkifli encouraged students to understand how the Malaysian healthcare system operates within a dual framework of public and private healthcare. He explained that the public sector in Malaysia is funded through taxes and prioritizes universal access at very low costs, while the private sector is supported by private insurance and out-of-pocket payments from patients.
“The Malaysian government provides great convenience for its citizens. Anyone who is a Malaysian citizen can receive healthcare services at a government hospital for just 1 Ringgit and proof of citizenship,” said Zulkifli, describing the inclusiveness of his country’s public healthcare system.
(Photo: Presentation of souvenirs by the Head of the Hospital Administration Study Program, Elsa Roselina, S.Kep., M.K.M., to Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Zulkifli Abdullah)
Zulkifli further outlined various government health insurance schemes, such as mySalam and PeKa B40, designed to protect low-income groups (Bottom 40% income group). The mySalam program provides protection against critical illnesses and hospitalization through a digital claims system, while PeKa B40 focuses on early detection and management of non-communicable diseases for people over 40. He believes these two programs are the foundation for a more comprehensive integration of national health insurance.
However, Zulkifli also highlighted the challenges facing Malaysia, such as limited program coverage, administrative complexity, and the need for long-term funding to maintain the system’s sustainability. He emphasized three key principles of health policy reform: equity, efficiency, and sustainability.
Zulkifli outlined a roadmap to national integration through three phases: pilot projects in several states, gradual expansion, and full national integration within 8-10 years. He also emphasized the importance of digital transformation, such as the use of integrated electronic medical records, automated e-system-based claims, and telehealth to expand access to rural areas.
As a concrete example, Zulkifli highlighted the Selangor region as a region with advanced social and health services. The local government even provides free healthcare for women, free access to private clinics for the elderly, and health insurance for all residents. He believes this model could inspire local governments in Indonesia to expand community-based healthcare services.
(Photo: Group photo after the public lecture ended)
The Head of the Hospital Administration Study Program, Elsa Roselina, S.Kep., M.K.M., expressed her appreciation for Zulkifli’s presentation. Elsa said, “We thank Mr. Zulkifli for his very comprehensive presentation. Students gained valuable insights into how health policies can be effectively integrated, and this approach can be adapted in Indonesia.”
Meanwhile, Haikal, one of the students, stated that the public lecture broadened his perspective on cross-border health policy. “I understand that health insurance integration in Malaysia involves merging systems and ensuring that all citizens receive fair and equitable services,” he said.
Through this public lecture, UI Vocational students gained a holistic understanding of the roles of the government, insurance institutions, and healthcare professionals in building a resilient and inclusive national healthcare system. Furthermore, this public lecture is also expected to be a strategic step towards strengthening academic collaboration between UI and UiTM and encouraging the contribution of UI Vocational students to the development of future health policies in Indonesia.
