Siloam Supports Government in Addressing Cancer Care Disparities

JAKARTA, May 28, 2023 — The Indonesian government is striving to reduce disparities in healthcare services, particularly in the treatment of serious illnesses such as cancer, which has been prioritized in the agenda for the national health system transformation.

John Riady, President Commissioner of PT Siloam International Hospitals Tbk (SILO), stated that cancer treatment must be a priority within the national healthcare system, given its high mortality rate. He emphasized that cancer is not only a national issue but also a global challenge.

“Globally, cancer remains a leading cause of death. Nationally, equitable access to quality cancer treatment is still lacking due to limited healthcare infrastructure,” John said on Sunday (May 28, 2023).

To date, the healthcare sector continues to grapple with cancer as a deadly disease that claims millions of lives each year. In 2020 alone, cancer was responsible for nearly 10 million deaths worldwide.

In Indonesia, according to data from the Ministry of Health, 136 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. This statistic places Indonesia 23rd in Asia among countries with the highest cancer prevalence.

Women are particularly vulnerable, with breast cancer affecting 42 per 100,000 people, and an average mortality rate of 17 per 100,000. Cervical cancer is also widespread among women, with 23 cases per 100,000 people and 14 deaths per 100,000.

Among men, lung cancer ranks highest in incidence, with 19 cases and 11 deaths per 100,000, followed by liver cancer, with 12 cases and 8 deaths per 100,000.

As part of its commitment to supporting the government in strengthening the national healthcare system—particularly in cancer care—SILO has established the Mochtar Riady Comprehensive Cancer Center (MRCCC) in Semanggi, Jakarta.

According to John, Siloam MRCCC is a manifestation of Lippo Group's commitment to fighting cancer, one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia.

“Siloam MRCCC Semanggi is the first private hospital in Indonesia dedicated to cancer treatment,” John emphasized.

The center aims to bridge the gap in cancer knowledge and care. Through MRCCC, Lippo Group seeks to raise cancer awareness, provide early detection services, and serve as a hub for healthcare professionals specializing in cancer to collaborate and share expertise.

Previously, the Ministry of Health announced its target to optimize cancer services across 514 regencies and cities in Indonesia. According to Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, cancer care is one of the key priorities in the country’s healthcare transformation agenda.

“Each pillar of our healthcare transformation has around 10–15 programs. In total, we have nearly 100 programs, and cancer services are one of the top priorities,” said Minister Budi during the Siloam Oncology Summit 2023 in Jakarta, as published by the Ministry of Health on Monday (May 22, 2023).

Minister Budi highlighted that, as the leading cause of death in Indonesia, cancer requires urgent attention—not only in curative and rehabilitative care but also in preventive and promotive programs, particularly screening and early detection.

The national health system, he said, is shifting its focus more toward prevention rather than treatment. Through the National Health Insurance (JKN) scheme, the Ministry guarantees free early detection for 14 types of diseases at community health centers (Puskesmas), including cancer screening.

“One of the implementations of primary care transformation is through BPJS, which is currently allocating IDR 9 trillion for early detection services, including cancer,” said the Health Minister.