Malikussaleh University Student Representative Council Rejects Aceh Health Insurance Restrictions |

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The Malikussaleh University (Unimal) Student Representative Council (DPM) firmly rejects Aceh Governor Regulation (Pergub) Number 2 of 2026, which limits the coverage of the Aceh Health Insurance (JKA).

This policy is considered a step backward that is detrimental to the community and ignores the purpose of using the Special Autonomy Fund (Otsus) for the welfare of the Acehnese people.

The General Chair of the Malikussaleh University DPM, Rendi Al Fariq Del Chandra, stated that the plan to eliminate JKA coverage for 544,626 Acehnese in deciles 8, 9, and 10 as of May 1, 2026, reflects "a lack of government support for the Acehnese people."

"This restriction violates Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Governance of Aceh, specifically Article 183. The Special Autonomy Fund should be used to finance public health, not to curtail the rights of the Acehnese people post-peace," Rendi emphasized at a press conference in Lhokseumawe City, Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The Student Representative Council (DPM) of Malikussaeh University also highlighted the cuts in the JKA budget in the 2026 Aceh Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBA), which is considered far from the community's real needs. There are concerns that this situation will force residents to switch to independent BPJS, especially amidst post-flood recovery and difficult economic pressures, thereby increasing the risk of new poverty.

As a form of advocacy, the students are demanding that the Aceh Government:

1. Revoke Gubernatorial Regulation Number 2 of 2026 and restore JKA to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) without discrimination based on social class.

2. Rationalize the budget in non-priority sectors, such as official travel and the procurement of luxury goods, to cover the shortfall in JKA premiums.

3. Accelerate the recovery of flood victims to ensure more equitable aid distribution.

"This step is an effort by students to ensure that the basic health rights of the Acehnese people remain protected as mandated by the Special Autonomy Fund," concluded Rendi, accompanied by other student activists.

Previously, the Deputy Governor of Aceh, Fadhlullah, also known as Dek Fad, emphasized that the essence of Governor Regulation Number 2/2026 was not to revoke the Aceh Health Insurance (JKN), but rather to make several adjustments to ensure it is more targeted and fiscally sustainable.

With these adjustments, the JKA no longer covers all Acehnese, but remains limited to certain economic groups. Wealthier communities are encouraged to switch to the independent BPJS Kesehatan (Social Security Agency) to maintain their health coverage.

On the other hand, the Aceh Government continues to provide coverage for people suffering from catastrophic illnesses—such as those requiring dialysis—regardless of their economic status.[]

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