The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at Universitas Indonesia (UI) once again held a public lecture for the Master’s Program in Hospital Administration (S2 KARS) on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Carrying the theme “Hospital Outlook: Financial Challenges and Long-Term Investment Opportunities,” the lecture featured Aristo Setiawidjaja, B.Sc., MBA, Commissioner of PT Pertamina Bina Medika IHC, as the keynote speaker. The session was conducted in a hybrid format—onsite at the Doctoral Promotion Room, Building G, FPH UI, and online via a digital platform—moderated by Prastuti Soewondo, S.E., M.P.H., Ph.D., a lecturer from the KARS program at FPH UI.
In his presentation, Aristo Setiawidjaja emphasized the critical role of the healthcare sector as a cornerstone of national development. However, he noted that Indonesia’s health system still faces multiple challenges, including affordability, access, and quality of care. He highlighted issues in the distribution and quantity of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, which have led to significant service gaps. “The shortage and uneven distribution of doctors discourage many investors from opening hospitals, even though the sector holds enormous potential,” he explained.
Aristo also discussed the role of BPJS Kesehatan, Indonesia’s national health insurance, as one of the largest and most successful Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programs in the world. He pointed out that this program presents strategic opportunities for growth in the healthcare business. Nevertheless, he stressed that the success of any healthcare institution depends on its ability to implement four key principles: financial discipline, operational standards and systems, strong working capital, and economies of scale.
A major highlight of the session was the emphasis on hospital financial management. Aristo underlined that financial performance is just as important as patient safety and clinical outcomes. “To avoid inefficiencies, hospitals need sound and disciplined financial management. That’s why it is essential for us to keep learning, sharpen our skills, stay open to change, and be ready to transform,” he advised the students.
Dr. drg. Masyitoh, M.A.R.S., Head of the S2 KARS Program at FPH UI, delivered a warm welcome. She expressed her hope that the lecture would enrich students’ perspectives. “We hope this forum will complement in-class learning and create opportunities for students to engage directly with professionals in the field,” she concluded. (ITM)